President Donald Trump shouted ‘You should not be here’ at CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins as he entered the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, refusing to acknowledge the network’s presence despite its credentials.
Earlier this week the administration barred CNN, MS‑NOW and Politico from White House grounds because of what it called ‘fake news’, and removed CNN from the presidential pool duty, a move that left the network unable to cover the president’s speeches.
The three outlets have filed a joint lawsuit demanding the ban be declared unconstitutional; the case will be heard by U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly on Wednesday afternoon, a judge whom Trump appointed in 2017 and who previously ordered a CNN journalist’s access restored.
Trump’s tirade echoed a broader rhetoric that negative coverage is dangerous, and he hinted that the ban could be lifted if the court rules against the administration, a comment that has alarmed media circles.
In solidarity, the Associated Press, Washington Post and New York Times have all refused to publish photographs of presidential events, and a CNN field producer, Jenna, said the ban has left her unable to cover the president’s UN appearance.
The court hearing will determine whether the White House can legally restrict media access, a decision that could set a precedent for future executive‑media conflicts.