US President Donald Trump’s administration has barred journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico from entering the White House. The press passes of journalists from the three media outlets have also been revoked. The ban took effect on Saturday, preventing the affected reporters from entering the White House premises.

In protest against the restrictions, major US television networks have withdrawn from regular TV coverage of the president’s events and remarks. The White House television press pool, which includes networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox News, has also been disrupted.

Amid the dispute, the White House launched a 24-hour YouTube-based video streaming channel called “TRUMP TV: The Essentials Station.” The channel broadcasts the president’s remarks, administration announcements, major events and previously recorded footage.

Meanwhile, CNN, MS NOW and Politico, which are affected by the restrictions, have filed lawsuits against the Trump administration. The media organizations are seeking to restore their journalists’ access to the White House and have their press credentials reinstated.

Trump has defended his decision, accusing the media outlets of spreading “fake news.” In posts on social media, he also described their reporting as a threat to national security.

The White House, meanwhile, has argued that although the media have the constitutional right to publish freely, access to the White House and participation in press briefings are subject to rules set by the administration.

The restrictions on journalists from the three media organizations, followed by major television networks scaling back coverage, have intensified tensions between the US media and the president’s office. The dispute has now moved to the courts.