Melania Trump breaks with the president on media ban

US President Donald Trump has implemented a ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico at the White House, seizing reporters’ credentials amid what he deems unfair coverage. First lady Melania Trump, however, is taking a different approach on press freedom.

Citing CNN, the office of the first lady formally approved CNN’s and Politico’s press credentials for a Tuesday event on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly about expanding her “Fostering the Future Together” coalition, an effort aimed at promoting children’s well-being with education and technology.

CNN’s credential for Tuesday’s event was approved on Sunday evening, one day after the president’s ban went into effect. The three national news outlets filed a critical First Amendment lawsuit to restore their access, and a hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.

The first lady is meticulously involved in the details around her events and public appearances — from the substance of her remarks to the diplomatic message she sends with her outfits to the minutiae in press releases. She is aware of the ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico, according to a source familiar with the matter, and her office had discretion over whether reporters from those outlets would be credentialed for Tuesday’s event.

Aytaj