CNN was denied access to the White House during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit, with two of the network’s journalists blocked from covering his arrival at Thursday’s state dinner.
CDA News Nigeria gathered that the White House denied entry to CNN’s reporter and producer despite earlier reinstating their press credentials, after a press official reportedly attempted to specify which types of journalists could cover the event. MS NOW journalists were also barred from the arrival, while other television networks were permitted access with reporters and producers.
According to CNN, a press wrangler blocked the team when they tried to enter, directing them to “talk to” White House Communications Director Steven Cheung. This came hours after US District Judge Timothy Kelly ordered the Trump administration to temporarily reinstate hard passes for CNN, Politico and MS NOW, ending a five-day ban that had previously barred the outlets from White House grounds entirely.
CNN White House correspondent Kristen Holmes said the network had been told its credential only covered camera and audio access, not an editorial presence. Following the incident, President Trump claimed the networks had “refused to cover” the event, describing Xi’s visit as one of the “Biggest and Most Beautiful Events” in years.
The dispute unfolded even as the two leaders held high-level talks on trade, tariffs, the Iran war and artificial intelligence, culminating in a lavish state dinner attended by top tech executives.
CDA News Nigeria will continue monitoring developments in this press access dispute.
Source verification: Adapted from CNN and Deadline reporting. CDA News Nigeria adheres to strict editorial standards.
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