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White House media ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico continues despite court order

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Coverage spectrum

Covered by 38 outlets across the spectrum.

101 articles in total, 32 of them opinion. The spectrum counts each outlet once and leaves opinion out. How we measure bias

A federal judge, Timothy Kelly, issued a temporary restraining order requiring the White House to restore access for CNN, MS NOW and Politico after President Trump banned them, ruling the action was likely unconstitutional and not based on national security as the administration claimed. Despite the order, CNN and Politico said reporters were denied entry hours later, and Trump later excluded CNN from Air Force One for a trip to a Tennessee college football game, replacing it with LindellTV. Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the ban on ABC News, calling the outlets’ coverage a “national security problem” when pressed by host Martha Raddatz. Trump criticized the outlets on Truth Social as “fake news.”

Headline and summary written by Mantle’s AI from the coverage below, under published rules. How this works

What happened

Key points

Each point shows who reports it, from Far Left to Far Right.

  1. Judge Timothy Kelly issued a temporary restraining order requiring the White House to restore access for CNN, MS NOW and Politico for 14 days

    Reported byLeftCenterRight

  2. The judge found the ban was likely unconstitutional and not actually based on national security

    Reported byLeftCenterRight

  3. CNN and Politico reported reporters were still denied access hours after the ruling

    Reported byLeftCenter

  4. Trump barred CNN from Air Force One for a trip to Knoxville, Tennessee and replaced it with LindellTV

    Reported byLeftRight

  5. Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the ban on ABC News as addressing a “national security problem,” citing allegedly inaccurate coverage

    Reported byLeftRight

Show 2 more pointsShow fewer points

  1. Trump criticized CNN and other outlets as “FAKE NEWS” in Truth Social posts

    Reported byLeft

  2. CNN's Jake Tapper asked UN Ambassador Mike Waltz to help get CNN back into the press pool during an interview

    Reported byRight

What is contested

Where accounts differ

Points the coverage does not agree on, and who says what.

  • Whether the media ban was motivated by national security concerns

    Attorney General Todd Blanche and the DOJ argue the ban addresses a “national security problem” caused by inaccurate reporting; Judge Kelly ruled the ban was not actually based on national security and was likely tied to the outlets' coverage of the administration.

  • Whether Trump's exclusion of CNN from Air Force One is legally permissible

    Reason argues, citing a prior D.C. Circuit ruling, that Trump very likely has the authority to exclude reporters from Air Force One and other restricted presidential spaces; left-leaning outlets frame the exclusion as part of a pattern of retaliation against unfavorable coverage.

How each side tells it

Compare views

  • the left

    19 outlets · 2 opinion

    Left-leaning outlets frame the story around Trump's emotional reactions and the administration's defense of the ban, using words like “tantrum” and “freaks out” to describe his and Blanche's conduct, while Democracy Now (further left) foregrounds broader press-freedom advocacy.

    With bans and taunts, Trump escalates his assault on the media
    Los Angeles TimesLeftAll left-leaning headlines

  • the center

    8 outlets

    Center outlets report the court proceedings and ruling in straightforward procedural terms, focusing on the judge's decision and its immediate practical effects.

    Blanche Loaded verb“claims”Using 'claims' rather than 'says' subtly signals skepticism about the truth of Blanche's statement.More neutral: saysDisagree with this highlight? Trump 'hasn't denied access' to White House reporters
    The HillCenterAll center headlines

  • the right

    11 outlets · 5 opinion

    Right-leaning coverage ranges from Reason's legal analysis of Trump's authority to exclude reporters from Air Force One, to RedState and Townhall mocking CNN and downplaying press-freedom concerns, while Daily Mail reports Blanche's national security defense more neutrally.

    Trump's Attorney General Todd Blanche defends media ban by calling press a 'national security problem'
    Daily MailRightAll right-leaning headlines

The words they chose

Language to notice

Words that carry a judgement beyond the facts. Tap a highlighted word anywhere on the page to see why.

  • Left83

    Melts Downfake newslashed outhe reserves special fury

  • Center7

    slamscontroversial banbroadening erosion of democratic freedomsextraordinary showdown over media access

  • Right35

    blatantly biased and Trump-despising legacy mediaHis bitterness is more than justifiedfake newslashed out

In the outlets’ own words

  • Sensational language

    Melts DownMore neutral: Criticizes networks

    Dramatizes a social media post as an emotional collapse.

    Trump Melts Down Over Lack Of Xi Coverage After Picking Fight With Press

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)The Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Delegitimizing label

    fake newsMore neutral: inaccurate report or say what is false and how you know

    Dismisses reporting wholesale; a false claim should be identified specifically.

    For those unfamiliar with how Washington works: The only fake news to be harvested inside the James S.

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)Washington Examiner (Right)

  • Delegitimizing label

    blatantly biased and Trump-despising legacy mediaMore neutral: media that Trump and his supporters consider biased against him

    Characterizes mainstream media outlets as inherently biased and hostile as a matter of fact rather than as a contested viewpoint.

    The man is angry at the blatantly biased and Trump-despising legacy media.

    Used byThe Daily Signal (Far Right)Hot Air (Far Right)

  • Absolutist framing

    His bitterness is more than justifiedMore neutral: Some argue his reaction is justified

    Presents a contested value judgment about whether Trump's reaction is warranted as settled fact.

    His bitterness is more than justified.

    Used byThe Daily Signal (Far Right)Hot Air (Far Right)

Show 118 more phrasesShow fewer

  • Loaded verb

    lashed outMore neutral: criticized

    This verb frames Trump's statements as an aggressive outburst rather than neutrally reporting that he criticized the coverage.

    President Donald Trump lashed out over his press coverage again Saturday morning after a federal judge ordered him to…

    Used byThe Independent (Left)Daily Mail (Right)

  • Loaded verb

    slamsMore neutral: criticizes

    Adds a combative connotation to Trump's criticism of the media beyond a neutral description.

    Trump boasts about economy, slams 'fake news' amid media battle

    Used byThe Hill (Center)New York Post (Right)

  • Loaded modifier

    controversial banMore neutral: disputed ban

    Labels the ban as controversial rather than describing the dispute neutrally

    …in Washington, D.C., heard arguments on Wednesday on President Donald Trump's controversial ban of three media outlets from the White House.

    Used byCNBC (Center)

  • Loaded modifier

    he reserves special furyMore neutral: he has focused his criticism

    Attributes an emotional state to the subject rather than describing his statements.

    …three news organizations that Donald Trump has banned from the White House, he reserves special fury for CNN.

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    truly dumb and juvenile termsMore neutral: mocking terms

    The writer's judgement of the video rather than a description of it.

    And he posted a video mocking CNN reporters in truly dumb and juvenile terms.

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Vague attribution

    legal experts have picked apartMore neutral: some legal scholars have criticized

    Assigns a critical judgement to unnamed experts.

    This comes as legal experts have picked apart the White House’s case for the ban.

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    monumentally absurdMore neutral: unusual

    Evaluative intensifier stated in the outlet's own voice.

    …rests partly on specious claims about national security, and the details are monumentally absurd.

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Rage at CNN Boils OverMore neutral: Trump criticizes CNN

    Dramatizes the president's posts as an emotional eruption rather than describing what he said.

    Trump’s Rage at CNN Boils Over as Case for Press Ban Starts Collapsing

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Case for Press Ban Starts CollapsingMore neutral: Legal case for press ban faces challenges

    Characterizes the legal argument's status in dramatic terms before the case has been resolved.

    Trump’s Rage at CNN Boils Over as Case for Press Ban Starts Collapsing

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Absolutist framing

    broadening erosion of democratic freedomsMore neutral: raised concerns about democratic norms

    Presents a contested characterization of the country's democratic health as settled fact

    …access for three news outlets, an episode that has highlighted a broadening erosion of democratic freedoms in the country.

    Used bySemafor (Center)

  • Vague attribution

    poked some pretty big holes in itMore neutral: identified weaknesses in it

    Unnamed 'legal experts' are credited with discrediting the filing.

    …the ban brought by news organizations, and legal experts quickly poked some pretty big holes in it.

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Trump Fury EruptsMore neutral: Trump criticizes outlets

    Dramatizes the president's reaction rather than reporting his statements.

    Transcript: Trump Fury Erupts as Case for Press Ban Starts Collapsing

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    chaotic morningMore neutral: eventful morning

    Adds dramatic characterization to the sequence of events rather than describing them plainly

    The re-entry came after a chaotic morning, during which the three outlets filed an emergency request for a hearing,…

    Used byTIME (Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    sweeping banMore neutral: ban on three outlets

    Adds a scale judgement to the described action.

    …Trump-appointed District Court Judge Timothy Kelly struck down the president’s sweeping ban late Wednesday night.

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    Ignores Court RulingMore neutral: Continues Denying Access After Court Ruling

    Asserts deliberate disregard when other accounts say it was unclear whether the delay was intentional.

    White House Ignores Court Ruling, Continues Banning Reporters

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    rebukeMore neutral: ruling against

    Frames the ruling as a judgment against the administration rather than describing its legal effect neutrally

    …that removes President Trump’s ban on three news outlets from White House grounds, a rebuke of the administration’s most severe attack yet on the Washington press corps.

    Used byLos Angeles Times (Left)

  • Sensational language

    most severe attack yet on the Washington press corpsMore neutral: one of the administration's most significant actions against the press corps

    Characterizes the ban with dramatic superlative language rather than neutral description

    …from White House grounds, a rebuke of the administration’s most severe attack yet on the Washington press corps.

    Used byLos Angeles Times (Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    belatedMore neutral: subsequently offered

    Implies the stated rationale was invented after the fact without stating this as an established finding.

    Kelly is skeptical of the belated "national security" rationale for banning CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White…

    Used byReason (Right)

  • Loaded modifier

    precipitous decisionMore neutral: abrupt decision

    Characterizes the administration's action as rash rather than describing it neutrally.

    …appropriate skepticism about the post-hoc national security rationale for that precipitous decision.

    Used byReason (Right)

  • Sensational language

    BanishmentMore neutral: ban

    Describes a White House credential ban with dramatic exile-like language rather than neutral terms.

    A Trump Appointee Blocks the President's Banishment of Disfavored News Outlets

    Used byReason (Right)

  • Sensational language

    a resounding defeatMore neutral: a ruling against

    Evaluative characterization of the ruling in the outlet's own voice.

    District Court in Washington, D.C., delivered a resounding defeat to President Trump early this morning, restraining his administration from…

    Used byCommon Dreams (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    defianceMore neutral: continued denial of access

    Asserts intentional disobedience that other reporting says was not established.

    FPF comments on White House's defiance of judge's media ban smackdown

    Used byCommon Dreams (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    media ban smackdownMore neutral: media ban ruling

    Frames a court order in combative slang rather than legal terms.

    FPF comments on White House's defiance of judge's media ban smackdown

    Used byCommon Dreams (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    Finally ObeysMore neutral: Restores Media Access After Court Order

    'Finally' and 'obeys' add judgement about reluctance and submission beyond the fact that access was restored.

    White House Finally Obeys Court Order to Reinstate Media Access

    Used byRolling Stone (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    in a major setback for TrumpMore neutral: in a ruling against the administration

    Characterizes the political significance of the ruling rather than reporting its content.

    …Tim Kelly, whose ruling overnight ordered a halt to the ban for 14 days in a major setback for Trump.

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Absolutist framing

    More Power Than American MediaMore neutral: More Access Than U.S. TV Pool at Xi Meeting

    States as fact a broad conclusion about 'power' when the article describes a single instance of camera access.

    Trump Gives Chinese State Media More Power Than American Media

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Amid Trump Ban ChaosMore neutral: Amid Confusion Over Trump Ban

    'Chaos' characterizes the day's events dramatically rather than describing the delays and reversals.

    CNN, MS NOW, Politico Allowed Back Into White House Amid Trump Ban Chaos

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Absolutist framing

    First Amendment-violating exercise in brandingMore neutral: a branding move that the outlets say violates the First Amendment

    Presents a contested constitutional question as settled while the litigation is ongoing.

    …“Trump TV,” suddenly it all makes sense: it could just be a First Amendment-violating exercise in branding.

    Used bySlate (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    Trump’s Information CocoonMore neutral: Trump's approach to the press

    Characterizes the president's media environment as sealed off rather than describing the access dispute.

    Inside Trump’s Information Cocoon, the Press Is an Unwelcome Guest

    Used bySlate (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    lashed out atMore neutral: criticized

    Adds drama and judgement to the act of criticizing.

    President Donald Trump on Thursday lashed out at CNN and MS NOW over the lack of coverage of a state visit by Chinese President Xi…

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    Picking Fight With PressMore neutral: after banning outlets

    Assigns blame for initiating a conflict rather than describing the ban.

    Trump Melts Down Over Lack Of Xi Coverage After Picking Fight With Press

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Vague attribution

    apparently almost no one is even watchingMore neutral: viewership figures were not disclosed

    Makes an unverified claim about viewership without attribution or evidence.

    …which is essentially a livestream of speeches and other reruns that apparently almost no one is even watching.

    Used bySalon (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    Trump foldsMore neutral: White House complies with ruling

    Casts the administration's compliance as a personal capitulation rather than a neutral outcome of a legal ruling.

    Trump folds as White house press returns

    Used bySalon (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    botchedMore neutral: disputed

    Passes judgement on the administration's handling of the ban rather than describing it neutrally.

    President Donald Trump’s botched media ban could become “history’s most foolish constitutional crisis,” the Wall…

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    blistering editorialMore neutral: critical editorial

    Uses an intensifying adjective to dramatize the editorial's tone.

    …most foolish constitutional crisis,” the Wall Street Journal has warned in a blistering editorial.

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    SavagesMore neutral: criticizes

    Exaggerates the tone of the editorial with a violent verb rather than describing its content neutrally.

    Murdoch Paper Savages Trump for ‘History’s Most Foolish Crisis’

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    is planted there byMore neutral: is provided there by

    "Planted" implies manipulation rather than routine official communication.

    …Room and its adjacent cramped offices, and indeed the only news of any kind, is planted there by the president’s designated spokespersons.

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    for Doing His BiddingMore neutral: for publishing information from his office

    Characterizes reporters as carrying out the president's wishes, a judgement rather than a fact.

    Trump Is Punishing Reporters for Doing His Bidding

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Absolutist framing

    picked a fight with the media... and lostMore neutral: clashed with the media over White House access

    Presents a contested characterization of the outcome as settled fact rather than one interpretation.

    Trump picked a fight with the media... and lost | Politics Weekly America

    Used byThe Guardian (Left)

  • Delegitimizing label

    delusions of their own self-importanceMore neutral: outlets' claims of significance

    Dismisses the outlets' concerns as delusional rather than describing the dispute

    …of CNN, MS NOW, and Politico further exposes legacy media’s delusions of their own self-importance.

    Used byThe Federalist (Far Right)

  • Loaded modifier

    Legacy Media Implode Over Losing White House Passes While The Rest Of America ShrugsMore neutral: Media Outlets React to Losing White House Passes

    Characterizes the media's reaction as an implosion and dismisses public concern without evidence

    Legacy Media Implode Over Losing White House Passes While The Rest Of America Shrugs

    Used byThe Federalist (Far Right)

  • Partisan shorthand

    topsy-turvy MAGA worldMore neutral: in Trump's telling

    Uses a political shorthand plus a dismissive modifier to frame the president's account.

    In the topsy-turvy MAGA world, some of America’s most prominent media outlets are choosing not to cover…

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    Trump, 80, Is Confused About Own Media BanMore neutral: Lemire says Trump asked where cameras were after his media ban

    States a mental assessment as fact and links it to the president's age, though the account comes from one journalist.

    “Where Are the Cameras?”: Trump, 80, Is Confused About Own Media Ban

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Exiled Media Airs Bizarre Teletubby Meltdown To Protest TrumpMore neutral: Media Outlets Respond to White House Ban

    Uses exaggerated, mocking language to characterize the media's response rather than describing events

    Exiled Media Airs Bizarre Teletubby Meltdown To Protest Trump

    Used byThe Daily Wire (Far Right)

  • Dehumanizing label

    Bizarre Teletubby MeltdownMore neutral: unusual reaction

    Mocks and demeans the subjects rather than describing their actions neutrally

    Exiled Media Airs Bizarre Teletubby Meltdown To Protest Trump

    Used byThe Daily Wire (Far Right)

  • Sensational language

    extraordinary showdown over media accessMore neutral: dispute over media access

    Characterizes the dispute with dramatic language beyond a neutral description of the access restriction.

    …time since President Donald Trump banned three news outlets in an extraordinary showdown over media access.

    Used byPBS NewsHour (Center)

  • Sensational language

    Renews Media FightMore neutral: Renews Dispute Over Media Access

    Frames an access dispute as a dramatic ongoing conflict rather than describing the specific action taken

    White House Renews Media Fight, Barring CNN From Trump Trip

    Used byBloomberg (Left)

  • Loaded verb

    celebrated its inclusionMore neutral: noted its inclusion

    "Celebrated" attributes a triumphal attitude rather than describing what the outlet actually said or did.

    …confirmed there was “no TV pool” for the travel, though Real America’s Voice celebrated its inclusion in the trip.

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    latest salvoMore neutral: latest action

    Uses a military metaphor to dramatize a policy action rather than describing it neutrally.

    The episode marks the Trump administration's latest salvo against the major cable news network.

    Used byDeutsche Welle (Center)

  • Sensational language

    break-the-glass momentMore neutral: a significant moment

    Adds dramatic emphasis beyond a neutral description of the legal dispute

    First Amendment expert Jameel Jaffer on why this is a break-the-glass moment for press freedom in America.

    Used bySlate (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    the White House dragged its feetMore neutral: the White House delayed compliance

    Characterizes the White House's actions with a judgmental idiom implying deliberate delay rather than stating the delay factually

    Within days, a federal judge ordered the outlets be reinstated—but the White House dragged its feet.

    Used bySlate (Far Left)

  • Absolutist framing

    Constitutional Crisis Is HereMore neutral: Raises Constitutional Questions

    Presents a contested characterization of the events as an established constitutional crisis rather than one interpretation

    The First Amendment Constitutional Crisis Is Here

    Used bySlate (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    capitulation of elite institutionsMore neutral: concessions by institutions

    Describes institutions' actions as surrender, a judgment-laden characterization rather than a neutral description of their responses.

    One of the most frustrating things about the capitulation of elite institutions to Donald Trump—from law firms to universities to media companies—has…

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    Trumpian persecutionMore neutral: pressure from the administration

    Labels the administration's actions as persecution, a conclusion rather than a neutral description of pressure or legal action.

    As many have noted throughout Trump’s second term, if institutions facing Trumpian persecution had shelved short-term self-interest and banded together in resistance instead,…

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Delegitimizing label

    authoritarian tacticsMore neutral: aggressive tactics

    Characterizes the administration's approach as authoritarian, a contested political judgment presented as fact.

    …and banded together in resistance instead, it would have hobbled his authoritarian tactics at the outset.

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    Angry TiradeMore neutral: heated remarks

    Characterizes Trump's remarks with an emotionally loaded description rather than a neutral description of the statement.

    Trump’s Angry Tirade Over Failing Press Ban Reveals His Achilles’ Heel

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Achilles’ HeelMore neutral: vulnerability

    Frames the story as revealing a decisive weakness, a dramatic interpretive claim rather than a neutral description.

    Trump’s Angry Tirade Over Failing Press Ban Reveals His Achilles’ Heel

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Delegitimizing label

    right-wing mediaMore neutral: name the outlet

    Dismisses reporting by presumed politics rather than by evidence.

    …Trump-versus-the-media fight into a potentially consequential rupture inside the right-wing media ecosystem.

    Used bySalon (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    fight with the pressMore neutral: dispute with the press

    Characterizes the relationship between the administration and news outlets in dramatic terms rather than describing the specific access dispute.

    It's another chapter in President Trump's fight with the press, and it appears there will be no TV pool coverage today.

    Used byNPR (Left)

  • Sensational language

    escalatesMore neutral: continues

    Frames the development as a dramatic intensification rather than simply describing the new restriction.

    Press pool dispute escalates as White House cuts CNN from Air Force One travel

    Used byNPR (Left)

  • Sensational language

    the administration’s battle with the news mediaMore neutral: the administration's dispute with news outlets

    "Battle" dramatizes a dispute over press access.

    …impeding its TV press pool duties in the latest escalation of the administration’s battle with the news media.

    Used byThe Guardian (Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    latest escalation with news mediaMore neutral: after recent restrictions on news outlets

    Frames a single access decision as part of an ongoing conflict narrative rather than describing the action itself.

    White House blocks CNN from Air Force One in latest escalation with news media

    Used byThe Guardian (Left)

  • Sensational language

    tantrumMore neutral: reaction

    Describing Trump's reaction as a 'tantrum' characterizes his behavior as childish rather than neutrally describing his statements.

    Trump has Truth Social tantrum over press coverage again after replacing CNN with LindellTV

    Used byThe Independent (Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    petty new heightsMore neutral: a new step

    Characterizes the administration's motive as small-minded rather than reporting the action.

    President Donald Trump has taken his feud with CNN to petty new heights.

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Escalates War With CNNMore neutral: escalates dispute with CNN

    "War" dramatizes a dispute over press access.

    Trump Escalates War With CNN With Petty Move

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    Petty MoveMore neutral: latest restriction

    "Petty" is the outlet's judgement of the decision's motive rather than a description of it.

    Trump Escalates War With CNN With Petty Move

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    Trump-Friendly OutletsMore neutral: conservative outlets

    Labels the outlets by their presumed sympathy to the president rather than by a descriptive attribute such as their ownership or editorial orientation.

    These 2 Trump-Friendly Outlets Were Allowed Aboard Air Force One As CNN Was Blocked

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    fired backMore neutral: responded or replied

    Combat framing for a reply.

    President Donald Trump fired back at a reporter Saturday before boarding Air Force One for the University of Tennessee…

    Used byWashington Examiner (Right)

  • Loaded verb

    trolls reporterMore neutral: responds to reporter

    Characterizes Trump's response as intentionally mocking rather than neutrally describing his reply.

    Trump trolls reporter: I don’t want fake news ‘like you’

    Used byWashington Examiner (Right)

  • Loaded verb

    snapped atMore neutral: responded to

    Adds a judgment of hostility to Trump's response beyond a neutral description.

    President Donald Trump snapped at a female reporter for asking him about his attacks on the press.

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    loomed overMore neutral: stood near

    Describes Trump's physical stance in a way that emphasizes intimidation rather than neutrally describing his position.

    In a tense exchange outside the White House on Saturday morning, Trump, 80, loomed over MS NOW’s Akayla Gardner while lashing out in response to her question.

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Loses ItMore neutral: reacts sharply to

    Presents Trump's reaction as an uncontrolled outburst rather than neutrally describing his response.

    Trump, 80, Loses It on Female Reporter Over Simple Question

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    Simple QuestionMore neutral: a question about press access

    Frames the reporter's question as innocuous, implying Trump's reaction was unjustified before readers can judge for themselves.

    Trump, 80, Loses It on Female Reporter Over Simple Question

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    blasts reporterMore neutral: responds to reporter

    Casts Trump's response as an aggressive attack rather than neutrally describing an exchange.

    Trump blasts reporter complaining about media ban after early morning Truth Social tirade: 'Be quiet'

    Used byDaily Mail (Right)

  • Loaded verb

    complaining aboutMore neutral: asking about

    Characterizes the reporter's question as a complaint, prejudging her intent rather than describing it neutrally.

    Trump blasts reporter complaining about media ban after early morning Truth Social tirade: 'Be quiet'

    Used byDaily Mail (Right)

  • Sensational language

    Truth Social tiradeMore neutral: Truth Social posts

    Describes Trump's social media posts with a dramatic label rather than neutral description.

    Trump blasts reporter complaining about media ban after early morning Truth Social tirade: 'Be quiet'

    Used byDaily Mail (Right)

  • Loaded verb

    doubles down on criticismMore neutral: repeats criticism

    "Doubles down" implies stubborn defiance rather than simply repeating a position.

    US president doubles down on criticism of CNN and MS Now as Akayla Gardner questions attempted White House ban A…

    Used byThe Guardian (Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    female MS Now reporterMore neutral: MS Now reporter

    Noting the reporter's gender adds an implication about the exchange that the reported facts do not establish.

    Trump tells female MS Now reporter to ‘be quiet’ amid questions on press pool ban

    Used byThe Guardian (Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    has not been handling the media controversy with President Donald Trump wellMore neutral: has faced criticism over its coverage of the media controversy

    Passes judgment on CNN's conduct rather than describing events neutrally.

    CNN has not been handling the media controversy with President Donald Trump well.

    Used byRedState (Far Right)

  • Delegitimizing label

    spreading yet another bunch of bunkMore neutral: making a claim that was disputed

    Dismisses CNN's reporting as false without neutral framing, presenting it as settled fact.

    As we noted earlier, CNN was spreading yet another bunch of bunk on Friday, claiming "advisors" were encouraging Trump to declare…

    Used byRedState (Far Right)

  • Partisan shorthand

    Fake NewsMore neutral: disputed reporting

    Used in the outlet's own voice as a dismissive label for a news organization rather than as a quoted attribution.

    CNN continues bringing Fake News to its viewers.

    Used byRedState (Far Right)

  • Loaded verb

    Gets NailedMore neutral: Disputed

    Presents the outlet's claim being contested as a dramatic defeat rather than a neutral correction.

    CNN Gets Nailed by Another Media Outlet Over Its Latest Claim About Pool Coverage

    Used byRedState (Far Right)

  • Loaded verb

    boasts aboutMore neutral: touts

    Frames Trump's economic statements as bragging rather than neutrally describing his remarks.

    Trump boasts about economy, slams 'fake news' amid media battle

    Used byThe Hill (Center)

  • Loaded verb

    Demolishes ReporterMore neutral: Responds to Reporter

    Casts Trump's response as a dramatic takedown rather than a neutral description of an exchange.

    Watch: Trump Demolishes Reporter Over CNN Not Being on Plane to TN

    Used byRedState (Far Right)

  • Loaded modifier

    shenanigans from the legacy mediaMore neutral: conduct from news outlets

    Characterizes the media's actions as improper without specifying what occurred, presenting a judgment as fact.

    The Trump administration clearly isn't putting up with any more shenanigans from the legacy media.

    Used byRedState (Far Right)

  • Loaded modifier

    clearly isn't having any of thatMore neutral: defended the administration's position

    Presents the Attorney General's stance in dramatic, judgmental terms rather than describing his actual position.

    His Attorney General clearly isn't having any of that, either.

    Used byRedState (Far Right)

  • Loaded verb

    claimsMore neutral: says

    Using 'claims' rather than 'says' subtly signals skepticism about the truth of Blanche's statement.

    Blanche claims Trump 'hasn't denied access' to White House reporters

    Used byThe Hill (Center)

  • Sensational language

    flat-out funnyMore neutral: notable

    Injects subjective judgment about the tone of the exchange rather than describing it neutrally.

    There was a moment that was just flat-out funny when Tapper basically begged Waltz to ask Trump to let CNN back into the press…

    Used byRedState (Far Right)

  • Loaded verb

    Hilariously BegsMore neutral: asks

    Portrays CNN's request in a mocking, dismissive way rather than neutrally describing the exchange.

    CNN Hilariously Begs Mike Waltz for Trump to Let Them Back in the Pool - His Answer Is Gold

    Used byRedState (Far Right)

  • Sensational language

    His Answer Is GoldMore neutral: His response

    Adds unwarranted drama and approval to a routine interview exchange.

    CNN Hilariously Begs Mike Waltz for Trump to Let Them Back in the Pool - His Answer Is Gold

    Used byRedState (Far Right)

  • Loaded verb

    claimedMore neutral: said

    Implies doubt about the truthfulness of Blanche's statement rather than neutrally attributing it.

    Todd Blanche claimed Trump never “denied access” to the outlets during the heated exchange.

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    grilled him overMore neutral: questioned him about

    Frames a routine interview question as an aggressive interrogation.

    Attorney General Todd Blanche clashed with ABC’s Martha Raddatz after she grilled him over President Donald Trump’s decision to ban three major news outlets from accessing…

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Goes NuclearMore neutral: pushes back sharply

    Exaggerates the intensity of Blanche's response for dramatic effect rather than describing it factually.

    'You Cannot Be Asking Me That!': Trump’s AG Goes Nuclear On Live TV Over Press Ban

    Used byHuffPost (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    repeatedly bristled atMore neutral: pushed back against

    Characterizes the official's demeanor in a judgmental way rather than describing his responses factually.

    Attorney General Todd Blanche repeatedly bristled at ABC’s Martha Raddatz as she pressed him about President Donald Trump’s press…

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    launched into a lengthy tiradeMore neutral: gave an extended response

    Frames the official's remarks as an angry outburst rather than a neutral description of his answer.

    Blanche, 52, launched into a lengthy tirade about “one-sided media coverage,” even though the White House’s official…

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Dehumanizing label

    Trump GoonMore neutral: Trump's Attorney General

    Labels a government official with a contemptuous term rather than his title, prejudging him before the facts are presented.

    Trump Goon Melts Down Defending Media Ban

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Absolutist framing

    justify the lack ofMore neutral: address the lack of

    Frames the administration's national security claim as an established justification rather than a contested assertion.

    She asked Blanche to justify the lack of

    Used byWashington Examiner (Right)

  • Loaded verb

    roast the mainstream mediaMore neutral: criticize the mainstream media

    Uses a dramatic, informal verb to characterize Trump's criticism rather than describing it neutrally.

    Donald Trump continued to roast the mainstream media with a suggestion that he might get rid of the White House press pool and…

    Used byDaily Mail (Right)

  • Loaded modifier

    bonkers planMore neutral: unusual proposal

    Dismisses the proposal with a derisive label rather than describing it neutrally.

    President Donald Trump has floated a bonkers plan to turn the White House briefing room into a pool as he escalates his war on the…

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    spiralingMore neutral: reacting strongly

    Characterizes Trump's mental or emotional state judgmentally rather than factually.

    The 80-year-old president has been spiraling since a judge he appointed ordered him Thursday to temporarily restore the…

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    whiningMore neutral: complaining

    Dismisses Trump's complaint with a mocking tone rather than describing it neutrally.

    But while he had targeted only those three outlets, whining that their coverage of him has been too “negative,” he now appears to be taking aim…

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    UnhingedMore neutral: Escalating

    Labels Trump's behavior with a judgmental term rather than describing it factually.

    Trump, 80, Takes Media Battle to Unhinged to New Level

    Used byThe Daily Beast (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    exploded in an extended tiradeMore neutral: spoke at length critically

    Dramatizes Trump's remarks with judgmental language rather than describing them neutrally.

    A few days ago, Donald Trump exploded in an extended tirade at news organizations.

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Loaded verb

    absurdly ragedMore neutral: argued

    Combines a judgmental adverb with a dramatic verb to characterize Trump's statements as irrational.

    Trump absurdly raged that news orgs were trying to deny him coverage of a major success.

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    he shrivelsMore neutral: his influence weakens

    Uses a dramatic, diminishing metaphor to characterize Trump rather than a neutral description.

    Without this attention, he shrivels.

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    Failing Press BanMore neutral: Blocked Press Ban

    Presents the outcome of the ban as settled failure rather than a contested legal and political dispute.

    Trump’s Rage over Failing Press Ban Goes Off Rails in Epic Self-Own

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Epic Self-OwnMore neutral: Backfires

    Adds dramatic, mocking judgment to the headline beyond a factual description.

    Trump’s Rage over Failing Press Ban Goes Off Rails in Epic Self-Own

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    Attacks on Free SpeechMore neutral: Restrictions on Free Speech

    Characterizes contested government actions as "attacks," presenting a disputed interpretation as fact in the outlet's own voice.

    Trump’s White House Press Ban, Other Attacks on Free Speech Are Impeachable

    Used bySlate (Far Left)

  • Absolutist framing

    worst offenderMore neutral: is described by critics as a major offender

    Presents a contested characterization of Trump as settled fact rather than attributing it to the critic being discussed.

    The latest swipe at President Trump isn’t shocking or original: he’s the worst offender when it comes to press freedom and the First Amendment.

    Used byTownhall (Far Right)

  • Loaded modifier

    atrocious coverageMore neutral: criticized coverage

    Labels the outlets' reporting with a strongly negative judgment presented as fact.

    Right, because CNN, Politico, and MS Now were all arrested for their atrocious coverage, right?

    Used byTownhall (Far Right)

  • Dehumanizing label

    clownsMore neutral: reporters

    Reduces journalists to a contemptuous label rather than describing them neutrally.

    That’s life, but please, none of these clowns were barred from writing about the White House.

    Used byTownhall (Far Right)

  • Sensational language

    Wild PointMore neutral: claim

    Uses exaggerated language to characterize a claim before evaluating it.

    A Wild Point About the Press and Trump Could've Been Trashed on CNN.

    Used byTownhall (Far Right)

  • Loaded verb

    TrashedMore neutral: criticized

    Implies the point was destroyed or discredited before the article makes its argument.

    A Wild Point About the Press and Trump Could've Been Trashed on CNN.

    Used byTownhall (Far Right)

  • Loaded modifier

    in a furyMore neutral: reacted strongly

    Attributes an emotional state to Trump without direct evidence, framing his reaction dramatically.

    Donald Trump is in a fury because news organizations have joined together to resist his effort to ban some of…

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Trump RageMore neutral: Trump's reaction

    Characterizes Trump's reaction with an emotionally loaded term rather than describing his statements.

    Transcript: Trump Rage over Failing Press Ban Erupts in Epic Self-Own

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    crashed and burnedMore neutral: struggled

    Uses a dramatic idiom to characterize Blanche's performance rather than describing what he said.

    Attorney General Todd Blanche crashed and burned while trying to defend President Donald Trump’s ever-increasing restrictions on…

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Sensational language

    Freaks OutMore neutral: struggles to defend

    Exaggerates Blanche's demeanor during the interview rather than describing his responses neutrally.

    Todd Blanche Freaks Out Over Media Ban After Trump Bars CNN Again

    Used byThe New Republic (Far Left)

  • Loaded modifier

    late-night tantrumMore neutral: late-night decision

    Describes the president's decision in belittling, emotionally charged terms rather than neutrally describing the action.

    Trump’s late-night tantrum bars media outlets.

    Used byThe Dispatch (Right)

Words quoted from someone else (4)Hide the quoted words

Loaded words that outlets reported someone else saying. They show what was said, not how the outlet chose to say it.

  • Delegitimizing label

    Quoted

    fake newsMore neutral: inaccurate report or say what is false and how you know

    Dismisses reporting wholesale; a false claim should be identified specifically.

    Last Friday, the president banned the three outlets, calling them “fake news,” as their journalists reported being blocked from accessing the White House.

    Quoted bySalon (Far Left)The Daily Beast (Far Left)The New Republic (Far Left)BBC News (Center)and 4 more

    Inside a quotation: the outlets are reporting someone else’s words.

  • Delegitimizing label

    Quoted

    Tech Coup in Plain SightMore neutral: concentration of technology industry power

    Describes technology firms' influence as a coup, a contested characterization, though it is attributed to the interview subject.

    Nobel Laureate Maria Ressa on Trump's Media Ban, Regulating AI & the "Tech Coup in Plain Sight"

    Quoted byDemocracy Now! (Far Left)

    Inside a quotation: the outlets are reporting someone else’s words.

  • Sensational language

    Quoted

    GOES OFFMore neutral: responds sharply

    Dramatizes Trump's reaction beyond a neutral description, though it appears within an embedded tweet.

    🚨 JUST NOW: President Trump GOES OFF on a reporter whining about CNN being barred from Air Force One today "In TWO YEARS,…

    Quoted byRedState (Far Right)

    Inside a quotation: the outlets are reporting someone else’s words.

  • Loaded verb

    Quoted

    whining about CNNMore neutral: asking about CNN

    Characterizes the reporter's question dismissively rather than describing it neutrally.

    🚨 JUST NOW: President Trump GOES OFF on a reporter whining about CNN being barred from Air Force One today "In TWO YEARS, I doubt they did ONE good…

    Quoted byRedState (Far Right)

    Inside a quotation: the outlets are reporting someone else’s words.

See the full language guide

See for yourself

Side by side

What each side leads with and what it leaves out. Open a side to read its headlines.

From the left

19 outlets · 2 opinion

Leads with

  • Trump's Truth Social outbursts
  • press freedom concerns
  • Blanche's stumbling TV defense
  • continued access denials after the court order

Leaves out

  • legal precedent from the AP v. Budowich Air Force One ruling

Reported by other sides, not found in this side’s coverage.

See the 24 headlines from the leftHide the headlines

From the center

8 outlets

Leads with

  • the court's temporary restraining order
  • the Fifth Amendment ruling
  • DOJ's national security justification
  • access being restored, then partially denied again
See the 9 headlines from the centerHide the headlines

From the right

11 outlets · 5 opinion

Leads with

  • legal precedent allowing exclusion from restricted spaces
  • criticism of CNN's reporting and conduct
  • Blanche's national security rationale
  • comparisons to past administrations' press restrictions
See the 18 headlines from the rightHide the headlines

Articles you open from here build My Mix, a private picture of how your reading spreads across the spectrum, kept on this device. What is My Mix?

The left is Far Left and Left together. The right is Right and Far Right together. Every outlet keeps its own five-point rating.

Who reported it when

How the coverage built up

  • Left

    23 min later

    Its first report, Sep 24, 1:31 AM EDT

  • Center

    First to report

    Sky News, Sep 24, 1:08 AM EDT

  • Right

    8 hr 22 min later

    Its first report, Sep 24, 9:30 AM EDT

See the order the outlets reported inHide the order
  1. Sky NewsCenterSep 24, 1:08 AM EDT
  2. NBC NewsLeftSep 24, 1:31 AM EDT
  3. CNBCCenterSep 24, 1:55 AM EDT
  4. SemaforCenterSep 24, 6:56 AM EDT
  5. Democracy Now!Far LeftSep 24, 8:12 AM EDT
  6. TIMELeftSep 24, 8:18 AM EDT
  7. The New RepublicFar LeftSep 24, 8:42 AM EDT
  8. Los Angeles TimesLeftSep 24, 9:03 AM EDT
  9. AxiosCenterSep 24, 9:23 AM EDT
  10. ReasonRightSep 24, 9:30 AM EDT
  11. Rolling StoneFar LeftSep 24, 11:42 AM EDT
  12. TruthoutFar LeftSep 24, 12:02 PM EDT
  13. The ConversationLeftSep 24, 12:03 PM EDT
  14. HuffPostFar LeftSep 24, 12:11 PM EDT
  15. VoxFar LeftSep 24, 6:10 PM EDT
  16. The Daily BeastFar LeftSep 25, 1:06 AM EDT
  17. The DispatchRightSep 25, 6:47 AM EDT
  18. PBS NewsHourCenterSep 25, 12:34 PM EDT
  19. BBC NewsCenterSep 25, 2:36 PM EDT
  20. BloombergLeftSep 25, 9:54 PM EDT
  21. New York PostRightSep 25, 10:27 PM EDT
  22. Deutsche WelleCenterSep 25, 11:52 PM EDT
  23. The Epoch TimesFar RightSep 26, 12:24 AM EDT
  24. The New York TimesLeftSep 26, 5:03 AM EDT
  25. SalonFar LeftSep 26, 6:45 AM EDT
  26. NPRLeftSep 26, 7:38 AM EDT
  27. The GuardianLeftSep 26, 8:45 AM EDT
  28. The IndependentLeftSep 26, 10:05 AM EDT
  29. Business InsiderLeftSep 26, 11:14 AM EDT
  30. The Washington TimesRightSep 26, 12:04 PM EDT
  31. Washington ExaminerRightSep 26, 12:31 PM EDT
  32. Breitbart NewsFar RightSep 26, 2:31 PM EDT
  33. Daily MailRightSep 26, 4:22 PM EDT
  34. ABC NewsLeftSep 26, 4:26 PM EDT
  35. The HillCenterSep 27, 6:00 AM EDT
  36. RedStateFar RightSep 27, 12:35 PM EDT
  37. The Daily CallerFar RightSep 27, 5:16 PM EDT

Times are the ones the outlets published in their own feeds, in Eastern time. Opinion is left out. Just the News gave only a date, so it is not placed.

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