Bessent Defended Press Ban After Trump Cited Security
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the administration's restrictions on several media outlets on Monday.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Terrorism
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the Trump administration's decision to ban CNN, MS NOW, and Politico during an appearance on CNBC. The move follows claims from President Donald Trump that the media poses a significant threat to national security.
Why it matters
The administration's actions mark a significant shift in the relationship between the White House and the press. President Trump has officially characterized these news outlets as a pervasive threat to national security, justifying the implementation of the ban.
The administration has enforced a ban on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico following reports regarding the White House Correspondents' Dinner and an aircraft incident in Ankara. The legal and regulatory standing of these media access restrictions remains under review.
The players
Donald Trump
Donald Trump is the current President of the United States.
Scott Bessent
Scott Bessent is the United States Treasury Secretary.
Joe Kernen
Joe Kernen is an anchor on the CNBC program Squawk Box.
Xi Jinping
Xi Jinping is the President of China.
The details
During an interview on CNBC's Squawk Box, Scott Bessent argued that journalists prioritize their own interests over other national issues. President Trump echoed these sentiments on Truth Social, formalizing the restriction of access for the identified news organizations.
Timeline
September 21, 2026: Scott Bessent appeared on CNBC's Squawk Box.
September 21, 2026: President Donald Trump posted a defense of the press ban on Truth Social.
This week: Chinese President Xi Jinping visits for a state visit.
Legal Context
This policy marks a departure from established legal protections for the press set by the 1971 Supreme Court decision in New York Times Co. v. United States. Current events indicate a pivot toward greater executive control over media access under national security justifications.
The exclusion of these specific news outlets from the White House may limit the information available to the public regarding official federal actions. Residents should anticipate changes in media coverage as the administration continues to enforce these access restrictions.
The takeaway
The administration's labeling of media outlets as security threats signals an increasingly restrictive approach to press access. Citizens should rely on a diverse range of sources to stay informed while the status of these media outlets remains volatile.
Further reading
For more on evolving policies regarding national security and media access, visit Terrorism.
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Should government officials restrict media outlets from access based on their perceived bias or reporting quality?
