Something is broken when a president can lock reporters out of the White House simply because he doesn't like what they write. That's exactly what happened when President Trump stripped press credentials from CNN, MS Now, and Politico, then told reporters at the White House, "There's something wrong with a country that allows people to write negative news stories. I don't have to let them into the People's House."

This isn't just about three newsrooms. CNN's role in the White House television pool meant it rotated coverage of the president for every network — ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox News included — then shared that footage with all of them. Once CNN was locked out, the other networks made a stand of their own: pool coverage of the president has stopped entirely, with organizers confirming there will be no replacement pool put in place.

Now CNN, MS Now, and Politico are suing, arguing their credentials were pulled "without notice or process" simply "because it objected to our reporting," and that left unchallenged, this "threatens press freedom and the public's right to independent journalism free from government interference," according to their joint statement.

A free press covering the president isn't a partisan issue — it's a basic check every American should be able to count on, no matter who's in office. The networks refusing to fill in for a banned outlet are showing that some lines shouldn't be crossed for access.

Sign the petition to demand the White House restore press credentials for CNN, MS Now, and Politico — before punishing unfavorable coverage becomes normal.