The Jambar
When Founding Father James Madison wrote the Bill of Rights, freedom of the press was at the top of their list of importance. Even over 200 years ago, Madison understood the importance of free press — a right President Donald Trump is now violating.
Trump banned networks CNN, Politico and MS NOW, formerly MSNBC, on Sept. 18 from entering the White House. In a Truth Social post, Trump credited this ban to the outlet’s alleged continuous publishing of “fake news,” though he mentioned no specific instance.
“From the White House as a result of their constant ‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS! Media Outlets should not be able to constantly write or resort FICTION and LIES when they’re covering the President of the United States, the Trump Administration, or the United States of America,” Trump stated.
This isn’t Trump’s first attempt at banning media personnel from the White House. In 2018, Trump banned former CNN Chief White House Correspondent Jim Acosta, after asking Trump some hard-hitting questions.
Throughout both of Trump’s presidencies, he has had a tumultuous relationship with CNN. In an 2018 article by NBC News, CNN stated that Trump is obligated to protect the free press.
“This President’s ongoing attacks on the press have gone too far,” CNN stated to NBC News. “They are not only dangerous, they are disturbingly un-American. While President Trump has made it clear he does not respect a free press he has sworn obligation to protect it. A free press is vital to democracy.”
Acosta’s press pass was eventually returned after the court ruled it violated his Fifth Amendment right of due process, which is similar to Trump’s present lawsuit.
CNN, Politico and MS NOW have all filed First Amendment lawsuits against Trump and received a temporary restraining order against the ban. These news outlets have now been restored access to the White House.
Though access has been restored, Trump still has preexisting notions towards these stations, and who’s to say he won’t attempt to ban them again?
A free press is vital to the U.S. citizens who have the right to consume the news they want without control from the government. People in powerful positions, like the president, deserve to be held accountable for their actions.
The press’s duty is to check the president and inform the country about his actions. Without its content, there are limited viewpoints, and American citizens remain uneducated.
It is the audience’s responsibility to continue to consume news, stay informed and continue to hold these figures accountable.