Sources reveal to Afaq News the behind-the-scenes of Trump's "surprise" with the "entry ban" of several media outlets to the White House

- A source for the Afaq News network revealed on Saturday that some White House employees - including members of President Donald Trump's media team - were surprised by his announcement banning Afaq News, the "Politico" website, and "MS NOW" channel from the White House; they learned about it through his post on his "Truth Social" platform on Friday. It is unclear how long Trump had been planning to announce this ban, or whether there was specific media coverage that prompted his decision.

Trump did not specify any practical measures to implement the ban on these media institutions, nor did he refer to any specific news reports that prompted his statement on social media. When asked about the reason for his announcement, he simply said: "There is no reason." The source mentioned that employees rushed to try to learn more details and understand how this decision would affect the daily logistical arrangements of journalistic work.

There was astonishment among some journalists at the White House regarding Trump's claim, as no subsequent action was taken. The reporters from Ufaq News remained in their designated work areas in the White House, near the press conference hall, until the time of writing this report.

A team from Afaaq News accompanied its deputy JD Vance on Friday, as the television team assigned to cover his movements within the joint coverage system. In turn, Afaaq News stated in a statement: "Afaaq News fully supports its team in the White House and their fair and accurate coverage."

We have the right, under the U.S. Constitution, to conduct this coverage without obstruction or interference from the government, and if the ban threatened by President Trump goes forward, it will be an illegal assault on this fundamental and constitutionally protected right." Trump had previously restricted the ability of Afaq News to enter the White House; during Trump's first term, the White House revoked the press credentials of Jim Acosta - who was then serving as the network's chief correspondent at the White House - following a heated exchange with him during a press conference held in November 2018.

Afaq News filed a lawsuit, and a federal judge appointed by Trump ruled to temporarily restore Acosta's right to enter, considering that the White House had violated due process rights. Ultimately, the White House permanently restored Acosta's credentials, prompting Afaq News to withdraw its lawsuit.

For its part, Politico stated: "The site will continue to provide fair coverage of this White House and future administrations, and we will vigorously defend our rights guaranteed by the First Amendment against any attempts to restrict them." Meanwhile, MS NOW did not issue an immediate comment regarding the announcement from the U.S. President.

The White House Correspondents' Association issued a statement expressing its solidarity with the media organizations mentioned by Trump, and Aaron Tier, Director of Public Advocacy at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, told Afaq News: "Press credentials are not a reward for loyalty to the government. A free press - even one that takes an opposing stance - is a testament to the strength of our country."

Many Democratic lawmakers also condemned Trump's announcement, with some likening it to an "authoritarian crackdown" ahead of the midterm elections. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on social media: "Donald Trump just did what dictators have done throughout history. This is democracy; you cannot manipulate the news or hide the truth."

It is worth noting that in 2025, the White House briefly prevented the Associated Press from covering Trump's activities, but later the rights of the agency's reporters and photographers to attend were restored, and the lawsuit is still ongoing.