The White House faced backlash Saturday after reporters from MS NOW, CNN and Politico were blocked from entering the grounds and had their press passes taken away. The move followed President Donald Trump’s announcement that the three outlets were banned for what he called fake reporting. When the journalists arrived for work, their badges were disabled or confiscated, leaving their usual workspaces empty. The outlets condemned the action as a violation of press freedom, and the White House Correspondents’ Association said the ban breaks First Amendment protections. Former President Barack Obama also criticized the move, saying it would have been unimaginable during his time in office. Legal experts warned that the ban is likely unconstitutional and part of a broader pattern of restricting press access. Inside the press corps, concern grew that banning one outlet could lead to more restrictions in the future. The Secret Service enforced the ban, though several White House staff members said they were unaware of the plan beforehand. Trump defended the decision, claiming the outlets publish lies and accusing Politico of receiving improper government money, which Politico denied. The ban adds to a long list of clashes between Trump and the media, including lawsuits against major outlets and previous attempts to block reporters from events. Press groups and other news organizations called for access to be restored, saying the public relies on independent reporting to hold the government accountable.