Journalists from CNN, MS NOW and POLITICO were denied access to the White House Saturday after President Donald Trump announced the three news organizations would be barred from the complex.

White House Correspondents’ Association President Jacqui Heinrich responded:

“The president said it plainly in the Oval Office, describing his own planned action as a ‘ban on the free press.’”

Heinrich said the issue extends beyond journalists to the public’s ability to receive independent reporting about the actions and decisions of the presidency.

“The WHCA stands in defense of our colleagues at CNN, MSNOW, and POLITICO who are being singled out for doing their jobs.”

The dispute raises new questions over White House press access, the First Amendment and the government’s authority to restrict news organizations from covering the presidency.

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