Rubio Defends White House Bar on Three News Outlets

Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the Trump administration's decision to bar CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, arguing in a Tuesday interview on NBC News TODAY that the move restricts workspace access rather than the outlets' ability to report. "They can cover the White House. They just can't have a desk there," Rubio told TODAY host Craig Melvin, adding, "We're not closing CNN." President Donald Trump announced the restriction on Friday, accusing the three outlets of repeatedly publishing what he called fake news about his administration. The White House said the First Amendment protects the right to publish but does not guarantee access to the White House, briefing room or presidential press pool. The decision was implemented on Saturday, when journalists from the three organizations were denied entry and had their credentials revoked. The three outlets sued the administration on Monday, arguing that the action violates their First Amendment rights and constitutes viewpoint discrimination. A federal judge is expected to consider their request for a temporary restraining order. Rubio rejected the characterization of a ban during an exchange with Melvin.