WASHINGTON — The White House blocks CNN reporters from covering Chinese President Xi Jinping’s arrival on Thursday, turning a day of diplomacy into a fight with the press. Read our full coverage of the Trump-Xi White House summit.
Why the White House Blocks CNN Reporters
The White House barred two CNN journalists from covering Xi’s arrival for the state dinner, after trying to tell the network which journalists could cover the event. MS NOW journalists were also denied access.
A Judge Steps In
Early Thursday, a federal judge temporarily blocked Trump’s ban on three outlets, ordering that CNN, MS NOW and Politico have their White House access restored. Even so, the White House repeatedly denied U.S. reporters access to the grounds that day despite the order.
Press Badges Reinstated
CNN, MS NOW and Politico have since had their press badges reinstated. The ruling gives the outlets at least a temporary reprieve in a long-running standoff between Trump and outlets whose coverage he dislikes.
Trump’s Remark on the Press
On the same day, Trump joked that China has the friendliest press corps.
