Trump aide Natalie Harp blamed for triggering CNN, Politico, MS NOW ban

CNN reported Monday that White House aide Natalie Harp showed President Donald Trump news clips shortly before he barred CNN, Politico and MS NOW from the White House, according to a report by Breitbart.

Citing unnamed sources, CNN said Harp brought Trump a Politico graphic and television clips last week, with one source claiming the graphic angered the president and contributed to the ban. Trump announced the decision Friday on Truth Social, branding the outlets “Fake News” and accusing Politico of receiving an “illegal” $8 million government subscription under the Biden administration.

CNN said the move surprised several advisers, with the president reportedly frustrated by coverage of legal and congressional setbacks and Republicans’ midterm prospects. The ban took effect Saturday, when journalists from all three outlets were denied White House access.

The outlets sued Monday, arguing their credentials were revoked over objections to their reporting. Trump said they could regain access if they “straighten themselves out.”