Melania Trump's office admits CNN and Politico reporters despite White House ban
First lady Melania Trump's office has approved CNN and Politico reporters to cover her event in New York, days after President Donald Trump barred the two outlets from the White House.
CNN said it received confirmation of its accreditation on Sept. 20, one day after the White House ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico took effect.
The reporters were accredited to cover an event hosted by Melania Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, focused on expanding her Fostering the Future Together initiative for children's well-being.
A source familiar with the matter told CNN that the first lady was aware of the restrictions imposed on the three outlets. Her office independently decided which reporters would receive credentials for her event, the source said, adding that Melania Trump is personally involved in details surrounding her public appearances.
Trump barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico reporters from the White House after accusing the outlets of publishing “fake” coverage of his administration.
The three news organizations have filed a federal lawsuit against Trump and three of his senior advisers, arguing that their credentials were revoked without warning or due process because the White House objected to their reporting.
ABC, CBS, Fox News and NBC have backed CNN and declined to replace its camera crew in the White House television pool covering the president.