President vs. the Press

President Donald Trump claimed Friday afternoon that he is “banning” CNN, MS NOW and Politico “from the White House.” He said it was “effective immediately,” but there was no indication his administration had taken steps to follow through. The country’s leading First Amendment groups said that if Trump tries to implement a ban, it would be unconstitutional and rejected by the courts. The newsrooms targeted by Trump echoed that sentiment, and have filed a lawsuit.

1. What does the First Amendment protect when it comes to freedom of the press?

2. What happened in today's news story?

3. What is the difference between criticizing a news organization and restricting its access to government?

4. Why might independent journalists be important to citizens?

5. Does freedom of the press guarantee journalists unlimited access to government officials? Explain.

6. What question about today's story do you still think needs to be answered?