DOJ argues White House access is a privilege, not a right, as Trump bans MS NOW, CNN and Politico while separately signing Arctic security deal with Denmark.
Published
The Department of Justice defended President Trump's ban of three news outlets from the White House, arguing that access is a "privilege — not a right." The DOJ further claimed Trump was motivated by national security concerns in banning MS NOW, CNN and Politico from White House press briefings.
Separately, Trump signed a US-Denmark-Greenland agreement aimed at bolstering Arctic security. The agreement comes after what AP News described as "prolonged tensions" between the United States and Denmark over Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory that has become a focal point of geopolitical competition due to its strategic location and mineral resources.
The two developments represent a striking contrast: the administration flexing executive power over domestic press access while simultaneously pursuing diplomatic engagement on international security matters. The DOJ's framing suggests the White House may continue to restrict journalistic access based on national security assertions, a position likely to face legal challenge.
Watch for potential litigation challenging the media ban and for responses from Denmark and NATO allies regarding the Greenland security arrangement.
Sources: 1. CNBC: DOJ defends Trump ban of 3 news outlets, says White House access is a 'privilege — not a right' — https://www.cnbc.com/2026/09/23/trump-white-house-ban-media-doj-cnn-msnow-politico.html (src1) 2.