Several UB students believe that President Donald Trump’s shutout of CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House can be summed up in one word: “stupid.”
“It’s stupid,” James Thomas, a sophomore film major, says. “The reporters need to report on things. It’s their job.”
On Sept. 18, Trump announced on his own social media platform, Truth Social, that CNN, MS NOW and Politico would no longer have access to the White House. He used a recurring insult, “fake news,” and that they should not be allowed to “write or report FICTION and LIES” on his administration.
The three organizations later filed a lawsuit against the administration, arguing that the restrictions violated their freedom of the press — protected by the First Amendment.
As of Sept. 24, a 14-day temporary restraining order forced the White House to reinstate the three outlets’ access as the case continues.
Other networks, including the New York Times and FOX News, stopped providing pool coverage — where networks rotate to cover presidential events and then share the material with other members — in support.
Finton Kennedy, a sophomore music performance and film major, says that Trump’s actions do infringe on the news outlets’ rights.
“It’s wrong,” Kennedy said.
The administration has defended their decision, with Attorney General Todd Blanche stating that being in the White House is a “privilege and not a right to be there.”
But Samba Seck, a sophomore music education major, says CNN has a right to report a story.
“He should have no control,” Seck said.
Evi Serpee, a sophomore communication major, has a generalized opinion of Trump.
“I hate him and any decision Trump makes is stupid,” says Serpee.
Alejandro Henry-Jackson is the assistant arts editor and can be reached at alejandro.jackson@ubspectrum.com.
