After Trump discussed banning CNN, MSNBC and Politico from the White House on Sept. 18, their journalists were denied entry the next day. Enquirer contributor Nick Anderson says the White House belongs to the public and the press must scrutinize government.
Asked about the proposed ban in the Oval Office on Sept. 18, Trump said, “I don't have to let them into my, into the people's house.” The opinion piece says the announcement was prompted by what he called “cumulative stories over the past few years,” rather than a single report or security breach. It also cites the National Park Service's statement that the White House is owned by the American people.
The article notes that the First Amendment does not guarantee journalists access to every room, but argues it protects the public's right to scrutinize those in power. It also cites the White House Correspondents' Association's statement that the public has a fundamental right to an independent account of government.
