Washington DC - News networks CNN, MS NOW, and POLITICO intend to sue President Donald Trump's administration after a new media ban saw them denied entrance to the White House.
"This morning, we notified the government that we are filing a lawsuit today to protect our First Amendment rights and defend the principle that the government does not decide what the press reports or publishes," CNN, MS NOW, and POLITICO declared in a joint statement.
"Without notice or process, the White House revoked our journalists' credentials because it objected to our reporting," the statement continued.
"Left unchallenged, this threatens press freedom and the public's right to independent journalism free from government interference."
The news comes after journalists from all three media outlets were denied entry to White House grounds on Sunday morning, and on several occasions had their passes confiscated by Secret Service agents.
It was the first time that Trump's ban of CNN, MS NOW, and POLITICO – announced on Friday – came into effect.
"I am proud to announce that, , I am banning Fake News CNN, MSNOW… and Politico… from the White House as a result of their constant 'reporting' FAKE NEWS!" Trump had declared.
In response to the ban of POLITICO's reporters, the outlet's global editor-in-chief Jonathan Greenberger said: "We stand by her and all reporters here covering the White House. As we said yesterday, we will vigorously defend our First Amendment rights."
"Earlier this morning, MS NOW journalists were denied access to the White House grounds. The White House belongs to the American people and the decisions made inside are funded by our tax dollars," MS NOW said in a statement.
CNN promised on Sunday that its mission to hold government accountable "will continue regardless of any attempts to restrict physical access to the White House and other government buildings."