US President Donald Trump has taken yet another sensational decision. The Trump administration has issued a notice officially banning representatives of internationally renowned, top-tier news networks such as CNN, MSNOW and POLITICO from entering the White House (News Channels Ban). Debate is now gathering pace over why Trump took such a harsh decision and what the real story behind it is. Trump has disclosed the reasons for the ban.
He alleged that these media organizations are constantly and deliberately smearing his government and his administration. He also lashed out that they are deliberately broadcasting “fake news” to tarnish America’s image on the world stage. Accusing them of twisting facts and weaving conspiratorial stories to stoke public opposition to the government, he declared flatly that such a biased approach will no longer be tolerated. He made it clear that the ban order takes effect immediately.
He also hinted that a similar “surgical strike” could be carried out in future against other prominent media networks that hide the truth and spread false propaganda. By signaling that no organization acting irresponsibly against the government would be spared, he has triggered deep alarm in global media circles.
This master stroke by Trump has now given rise to two contrasting arguments around the world. One camp strongly condemns it, saying it is a serious blow to democracy and freedom of expression for the head of a nation to ban top newspapers and channels from the White House at this scale. Another camp firmly defends it, saying this is the right and courageous decision to rein in a biased media that keeps misleading the public with fake propaganda in the name of news.