White House bans BBC, CNN from press briefing

Hours after President Donald Trump delivered another attack on the media in a speech, saying that “fake news” was the “enemy of the people”, White House banned BBC, CNN, the New York Times and others from a press briefing with Press Secretary Sean Spicer.

No reason was given for the exclusion of the media outlets from attending the informal press briefing as Trump takes his attack on the media to worrying levels.

Recent reports claiming his campaign aides had contact with Russian intelligence officials have particularly irked the president.

Read also: Trump revokes Obama’s transgender rule on use of toilets

Shortly after Mr Trump’s speech on Friday, a number of selected media organisations were invited into Mr Spicer’s office for an informal briefing, or “gaggle”.

Those allowed into the room included ABC, Fox News, Breitbart News, Reuters and the Washington Times.

When asked why some were excluded, Mr Spicer said it was his decision to “expand the pool” of reporters.

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