NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists strongly condemns the Trump administration’s decision to revoke White House access for journalists from CNN, MS Now, and POLITICO.
Denying access to journalists because of coverage the government dislikes is fundamentally at odds with the principles of a free press as guaranteed by the First Amendment. Journalists must be able to ask tough questions, scrutinize those in power, and report without fear of retaliation or exclusion from the institutions they are charged with covering.
This action does not stand alone. It comes amid growing concerns about measures targeting journalists and news organizations, including arrests, searches, and subpoenas. Together, these actions send a chilling message to the press and threaten the independence necessary for journalists to serve the public interest.
A free and independent press is not a privilege granted by those in power. It is a cornerstone of democracy guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and essential to an informed public. Efforts to limit access based on coverage undermine transparency, accountability, and the public’s right to know.
NLGJA stands in solidarity with the journalists and news organizations affected by these restrictions and calls for the immediate restoration of equal access. We urge all public officials to respect the role of a free press and reject actions that seek to punish or silence independent journalism.