Melania’s Office Grants CNN Credential for NYC Event Amid Trump’s Media Ban

Melania Trump's office approves CNN for NYC event as Trump bans outlet. First Lady's team confirms access.

September 22, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — New York City, United States — Despite President Donald Trump’s recent decision to bar CNN from the White House, the First Lady’s office has granted the network a credential to cover an event featuring Melania Trump in New York City.

The move comes as CNN chief media analyst Brian Stelter noted that journalists are exploring alternative ways to gain access after the president’s sweeping media restrictions. He mentioned that a CNN reporter was already approved by the first lady’s office to attend the event, which is scheduled to take place on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly.

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The “Fostering the Future Together” announcement, set for Tuesday, will highlight partnerships between the private sector and technology companies. Betsy Klein, a senior CNN White House reporter, was previously denied access when her press pass was taken at a White House checkpoint following the media ban. The three outlets affected by the ban have since filed a lawsuit, claiming the restriction violates the First Amendment.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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