Obama Comments on White House Press Ban, Calls Press Freedom ‘Foundational’

Idaho Falls Pocatello, ID, September 23, 2026 —

Former President Barack Obama has commented on the ban of several news organizations from the White House, stating that he was “not surprised” by the action taken by President Donald Trump against CNN, MS NOW, and Politico. Obama characterized the issue of press freedom as “foundational.”

The former president shared these remarks during an event held at Salem State University in Massachusetts. He used the occasion to emphasize his view that press freedom should transcend partisan divides and not be treated as a political issue.

Obama’s comments address a situation involving the access of specific news outlets to the White House. While the summary states that CNN, MS NOW, and Politico were banned, the specific date of this ban and the exact circumstances or reasons provided by the White House for these actions were not detailed in the provided information.

The former president’s statement underscores the importance he places on the role of a free press within a democratic society. By referring to press freedom as “foundational,” Obama suggests it is a core element upon which other aspects of governance and public discourse are built. His assertion that this should not be a partisan issue implies a call for broader consensus and cooperation regarding the rights and responsibilities of both the media and government officials.

Further details regarding the specific nature of the ban, the duration, or any official responses from the named news organizations or the current administration were not available in the trend summary. The contractor’s name, if applicable, was not provided. The fine amount was not provided. The inspection outcomes were not provided.

Story summarized from the original created by CNN Newsource on localnews8.com, see more information here.

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