Demand Progress

Block Trump's authoritarian assault on press freedom in America!

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    Block Trump's authoritarian assault on press freedom in America!

    Petition to Congress:
    We urge you to speak out against the president's dangerous attacks against media outlets and journalists. Protect the First Amendment rights to free speech, press freedom, protests, and dissent!

    Trump proudly banned CNN, Politico, and MS NOW from the White House, calling the media outlets "Fake News." He also posted an image to Truth Social depicting the outlets as trash bags outside of the White House.1,2

    "Media Outlets shouldn't be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES when they’re covering the President of the United States," Trump ranted.3 Trump makes this unprecedented attack on journalistic freedom as he fuels his entire far-right agenda with MAGA propaganda and racist disinformation.

    CNN, Politico, and MS NOW filed a lawsuit in defense of press freedom, writing, "This ban could not be a more direct assault on the First Amendment nor a more blatant violation of our most fundamental constitutional principles."4 This is an attempt to silence critical press coverage and target reporters, and Congress must take a stand.

    Sign the petition: Block Trump's authoritarian assault on press freedom in America!

    Major news networks including ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX stood in solidarity with the three banned outlets and refused to attend White House events.5

    The White House is trampling on the First Amendment to chill dissent and force the media to spread a uniform pro-Trump narrative.

    Trump's unconstitutional overreach is a direct threat to our democracy. Congress must speak out against the attack on the free press.

    Sign the petition: Protect the First Amendment — stand against Trump's attack on CNN, Politico, and MS NOW!


    Sources:

    1. NBC News, "White House faces mounting legal backlash after barring journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico," September 19, 2026.
    2. Truth Social, "CNN, MSNBC, Politico," September 20, 2026.
    3. NBC News, "White House faces mounting legal backlash after barring journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico," September 19, 2026.
    4. CNN, "CNN, MS NOW and Politico sue Trump administration over White House access," September 21, 2026.
    5. Common Dreams, "'Effectively a Boycott': Major TV Networks Ditch Pool Coverage of Trump in Solidarity With CNN ," September 21, 2026.
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