Secret Service Denied MS NOW Reporters White House Entry
The Secret Service revoked press credentials for MS NOW staff following a directive from the President.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Immigration
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Correspondent Akayla Gardner and her camera crew were blocked from entering the White House after the Secret Service deactivated their press badges at a West Wing security checkpoint. The incident followed an announcement by President Donald Trump that he would withdraw credentials from three news organizations due to their coverage.
Why it matters
President Donald Trump cited inadequate coverage of his administration as the reason for revoking access for CNN, MS NOW, and Politico. While the restriction prevents in-person access to the West Wing, it does not legally bar the organizations from covering presidential activities.
The administration identified 3 media outlets for credential withdrawal, representing a shift in White House press access policies. The legal grounds for this restriction and the potential for federal court intervention remain the primary points of contention.
The players
Donald Trump
He is the current President of the United States.
Akayla Gardner
She is an MS NOW correspondent who was denied entry to the White House.
MS NOW
This is a news organization that had its press credentials revoked by the administration.
United States Secret Service
This is the federal law enforcement agency responsible for securing the White House grounds.
The details
At a security checkpoint in the West Wing, officers informed the MS NOW team that their credentials had been disabled. MS NOW has indicated that it intends to pursue legal action to challenge the restriction on its First Amendment rights.
Timeline
September 18, 2026: President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of press credentials for three outlets.
September 19, 2026: MS NOW reporters were denied entry at a White House security checkpoint.
Political Context
Opponents of the credential withdrawal argue that such actions violate the First Amendment protections afforded to a free press. Advocacy groups have consistently pushed back against attempts to limit media access, framing the policy as an unconstitutional attempt to punish unfavorable reporting.
This policy change alters how the public receives on-the-ground reporting from the White House regarding government policy decisions. Citizens may see a reduction in the number of independent outlets capable of questioning officials directly within the West Wing.
The takeaway
Media organizations often utilize judicial review to contest restrictions on institutional access that they perceive as discriminatory. Readers should monitor court filings for updates on whether the White House will be required to restore the revoked press credentials.
Further reading
For additional context on administration policies, visit the Immigration section.
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