politicsMonday, September 21, 20262 sources

Trump Denies Attack on Free Press, Calls Media 'Fake News' and 'Cancer'

Donald Trump denied accusations of attacking the free press, labeling the media as 'fake news' and 'cancer.' CNN, Politico, and MSNBC announced they would sue the president and his administration for barring journalists from the White House. The dispute centers on press access during the Trump administration.

On September 21, 2026, Donald Trump publicly rejected claims that his administration had launched an attack on the free press. In a statement, he called the media 'fake news' and referred to it as 'cancer,' a recurring metaphor he has used to describe critical coverage. The remarks came in response to lawsuits filed by CNN, Politico, and MSNBC, which alleged that the White House had ordered a ban on journalists entering the presidential complex.

Timelines

Trump Administration vs. Media Access and Press Freedom

Sources

WireAdnkronosSep 21, 09:38 PM
Trump: 'This is not an attack on the free press, but on fake news, they are cancer'

(Adnkronos) - Donald Trump rejected accusations of an attack on the freedom of the press after a lawsuit filed by CNN, Politico, and Ms Now against the president and some members of his administration for the access ban to the White House imposed on their journalists.

WireAdnkronosSep 21, 09:38 PM
Mr. Trump: 'This is not an attack on free press, but an attack on fake news. They are cancer.'

(Adnkronos) - Donald Trump said he rejected the accusation of an attack on free press after CNN, Politico, and MSNBC announced they would file lawsuits against the president and his administration officials who were ordered to prohibit journalists from entering the White House.