The White House reversed its media ban on September 24, 2026, allowing reporters from CNN, Politico, and MS NOW back into the premises after initially denying them access prior to a summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The decision followed a temporary restraining order issued by US District Judge Timothy Kelly earlier that morning, which mandated the restoration of access to the previously banned outlets. Despite the ruling, some reporters from these outlets had their credentials confiscated on the same day before being readmitted later in the afternoon.
The ban was implemented by Trump on September 23, 2026, following negative coverage from these media outlets, which he criticized in a social media post. Major broadcasters, including Fox News, NBC, CBS, and ABC, expressed solidarity with the banned outlets by refusing to cover Trump until CNN journalists were allowed back in. ABC News, designated as the TV pool for the state visit, withheld coverage until confirmation of CNN's access.
During the visit, Trump praised Xi, noting their established friendship and the hospitality he received during his visit to Beijing earlier in the year. Xi emphasized the importance of communication between the two nations, acknowledging their differences while advocating for mutual understanding and trust. The media blackout surrounding the summit limited coverage of the events, with alternative media outlets filling the gap through online streams. The White House Correspondents' Association condemned the media ban, asserting that the Constitution protects press freedom from government interference, regardless of the president's opinions on coverage.