Melania Trump’s office has approved CNN’s request to cover her upcoming New York City event, creating a notable exception to the White House ban that President Donald Trump placed on the network just days ago. His wife’s decision highlights a separate credentialing process operating independently of the president’s media restrictions.
Melania Trump’s office separately credentialed CNN for her New York event on the UN sidelines
An official from the first lady’s office confirmed to The Independent that it approved a credential request from CNN reporter Betsy Klein. She will cover Donald Trump’s wife, Melania, “Fostering the Future Together” announcement on Tuesday in New York City. The event takes place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. It will reportedly promote private sector partnerships with technology companies.
CNN chief media analyst Brian Stelter disclosed the development on Monday while discussing the president’s ban. The restriction blocks reporters from CNN, Politico, and MS NOW from White House access. “We’re going to see reporters get creative,” Stelter said. “That’s what we do sometimes when we have to. We’re going to see reporters try and get credentialed in other ways.” He then confirmed the first lady’s office had already approved a CNN reporter for the UN-side event.
Melania’s approval came days after Trump announced the White House ban, accusing CNN, MS NOW and Politico of reporting “FAKE NEWS.” The three outlets subsequently filed a lawsuit against Trump and members of his administration, challenging the restrictions on their White House access.
Now, the first lady’s independent credentialing decision reflects her known separation from White House operations. Former Trump aide Sarah Matthews previously shared that she never met Melania Trump during her time on the campaign and in the administration. Matthews claimed the first lady viewed the White House as outdated and preferred staying in New York. “She thought the White House was old and falling apart, and she wanted to be in New York and do her own thing,” Matthews claimed. The White House has not commented on the first lady’s separate credentialing of CNN.
