Blanche says ‘one-sided news’ is a national security issue worthy of barring press

Attorney General Todd Blanche recently defended the Trump administration's decision to bar several news organizations from the White House, asserting that "one-sided news" and "complete misinformation" from these outlets pose a national security threat. Speaking on ABC News' "This Week" on Sunday, September 27, 2026, Blanche argued that the administration was justified in restricting access for CNN, MS NOW, and Politico, claiming their reporting negatively impacts U.S. relationships with foreign partners and adversaries. He maintained that access to the White House is a privilege, not a right, and that the president has a duty to ensure the American public receives accurate information.

This defense comes after a federal judge, Timothy Kelly, had already questioned the administration's national security justification for the ban. Judge Kelly had issued a temporary restraining order, directing the White House to restore press credentials to the affected journalists, noting that previous statements by President Trump focused on the negative nature of the reporting rather than national security concerns. Despite this judicial skepticism, Blanche reiterated the administration's stance, even as CNN reported being barred from traveling on Air Force One.

Blanche, who became Attorney General in August 2026, has a history of representing Donald Trump and has been a vocal defender of the administration, previously stating his willingness to subpoena journalists in leak investigations if classified information is involved. His current remarks continue to highlight a contentious relationship between the administration and certain media outlets, with the Attorney General emphasizing the government's position that inaccurate reporting can escalate to a national security concern.