John Barrasso
Role at the time: U.S. senator from Wyoming, speaking on NBC News’s Meet the Press.
Defended or excused
Statement summary
Asked whether Trump’s exclusion of CNN, MS NOW and Politico reporters violated the Constitution, Sen. John Barrasso said no and argued that the press must report fairly. He also said he respects freedom of the press and compared the action to Trump’s earlier social-media bans.
“No, I believe the press has an obligation to report fairly.”
Watch the original video (opens in a new tab)John Barrasso says President Trump banning media outlets doesn’t violate the U.S. ConstitutionFull 02:23 NBC News Meet the Press clip.
NBC’s original clip captures Barrasso responding to a question about Trump’s exclusion of CNN, MS NOW and Politico. NBC’s companion report transcribes the exchange.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Why we used this label
Barrasso’s direct no-answer to the constitutional question and his fairness rationale defend that action, while his acknowledgment of press freedom supplies context.