Trump berates Kaitlan Collins as news outlets sue for access

By Adele Rutherford · Reporting from Atlanta ·

President Donald Trump berated Kaitlan Collins at the United Nations after banning three news outlets, proving that executive spite is a poor substitute for the legal process.

Procedure is the shield of the governed

President Donald Trump addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. He encountered CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins. According to CNBC and The Daily Beast, the president told Collins, "You should not be here." He added, "You should not be here covering me." This rebuke followed a decree issued on Friday, September 19, 2026. The administration banned CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House. The White House argued that the First Amendment "does not entitle certain outlets to a hard pass." A hard pass is a credential for long-term access to the White House. The executive branch used similar power during the Watergate scandal to obstruct the press. In that 1972 crisis, the administration sought to conceal misconduct by punishing political opponents.

The solidarity of the press corps must be tested

As reported by Deadline and Anadolu Agency, the outlets filed a lawsuit on Monday. The Washington Post noted that the three organizations alleged violations of the Due Process Clause. Due process requires the government to follow fair procedures before depriving a person of a right. Judge Timothy Kelly scheduled a hearing for Wednesday, September 23, 2026. The White House TV pool declined to cover certain events in protest. The pool includes networks like ABC News and CBS News. On Monday, the Associated Press and Reuters withheld photos of the president. The administration claims absolute discretion over who enters the executive mansion. They view a hard pass as a logistical courtesy. However, a government office is public property held in trust.

The permanence of constitutional limits

The confrontation at the United Nations highlights the friction between the executive and the press. Collins questioned the president, who deflected by attacking her presence. C-SPAN CEO Sam Feist noted that public access is foundational to his mission. CNN stated it will report on the administration without fear or favor. The administration must defend this exclusion using neutral principles. A tool used today against critics may be used tomorrow against friends. The First Amendment protects the process of news gathering from arbitrary executive spite. Federal courts should issue an injunction to stop a ban designed to punish speech. An injunction is a court order that stops a specific action. Executive authority is bounded by procedural due process.

Sources

  1. The Washington Post: Trump berates CNN’s Kaitlan Collins after ban: ‘You shouldn’t be covering me’
  2. The Daily Beast: CNN Delivers Stinging Blow to Trump
  3. CNBC: Trump snaps at CNN at United Nations: 'You should not be here covering me'
  4. Deadline: Trump Surprised By Presence Of CNN At United Nations General Assembly
  5. Anadolu Agency: Trump rebukes CNN journalist over UN coverage following White House press ban