US President Donald Trump on Friday announced a ban on three major news outlets, CNN, MS NOW and Politico, from the White House, escalating his ongoing conflict with the independent press.

The decision is expected to face legal challenges, with free speech experts arguing that barring the outlets could conflict with First Amendment protections for freedom of speech and the press.

Trump accused the outlets of “reporting FAKE NEWS” in a social media post, arguing that they should not be allowed to “write or report FICTION and LIES” while covering the US president.

He also warned that other news organisations could face similar restrictions, adding, “Other Fake News Media Outlets to follow.”

Representatives of all three outlets were still working at the White House on Friday afternoon following Trump’s announcement. However, the White House informed the organisations that they would be barred from its grounds from Saturday, Fox News reported, citing an unnamed senior White House official.

Trump said the decision was not prompted by any specific incident.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, he said it was instead based on “cumulative stories over the past few years.”

Trump added, “I don’t have to let them into my, into the people’s house.”

When asked what he meant by “others to follow,” Trump named The New York Times and The Washington Post, referring to them as “fake news” outlets.

The scope of the ban announced by Trump was not immediately clear, while its legality could depend on how broadly it is enforced.

Courts have generally given presidents considerable discretion over access to selective events, including Oval Office meetings and limited press pools.

However, broader efforts to exclude news organisations from generally available White House press facilities or credentials could face greater legal challenges under the First Amendment and constitutional due process protections.