US3 min(s) read
Melania Trump has been caught in the crossfire between her husband, Donald Trump, and his ban on the US' biggest news outlets from the White House.
The First Lady is indirectly involved in the controversial decision to ban major news outlets from the White House, which saw CNN, MS NOW, and Politico reporters have their press passes revoked.
In response to the decision, ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News, and NBC, the most popular networks in the US, are refusing to send cameramen or reporters to cover upcoming events.
This includes Trump's visit and address at the United Nations General Assembly today (September 22), which will remain untelevised on the country's main networks.
The President has since started a new 24-hour streaming service from the White House called Trump TV, which has further angered a lot of the US public, who believe it is an infringement on free speech.
So, how is Melania involved in all of this?
The First Lady's office has approved a CNN reporter to cover her upcoming event, which, like the UN General Assembly, is taking place in New York City.
It will be on the sidelines of the event, but while America's biggest news outlets will not cover the President, at least one of them will cover Melania.
The 56-year-old's “Fostering the Future Together” event is set to be covered by CNN reporter Betsy Klein, as reported by The Independent.
A credential was issued to the journalist, as CNN chief media analyst Brian Stelter explained that the approval showed how reporters could look for alternative ways to cover events, following the White House's move to restrict news organizations.
For now, only Trump TV will broadcast on the President's appearances, as the administration said of the news channel: “TRUMP TV IS STREAMING NOW. 24/7, updated in real time, with top past moments, announcements, and the latest and greatest from the administration all in one place. Not every big moment has made it on your tv, now it can.”
Taking to Truth Social, the President explained his decision, claiming that 'fake news' was a 'threat to democracy'.
He said: "Fake News people and publications that only write negatively, and who violate our National Security by writing false and defamatory stories with unknown 'sources,' shouldn’t be allowed access to the most important Office anywhere in the World."
Following their ban from the White House, CNN, MS NOW, and Politico have filed a First Amendment lawsuit against Trump and numerous administration officials.
They claim that revoking their access to the White House was unconstitutional, with their credentials being withdrawn without any notice.
CNN has since stated that despite restrictions from the Trump Administration, they will continue to cover them.
Responding to criticism, Trump defended himself, adding: "The White House is not instituting an assault on the Free Press, something which I cherish," claiming that the decision was 'a threat to our National Security, and must be stopped, now!'
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