CNN reporter was banned

White House disputes CNN reporter was banned from open press event

By REBECCA MORIN

The White House pushed back Thursday against criticism that it banned a CNN reporter from an open event with President Donald Trump.

"You ask her if we ever used the word 'ban,'" said Bill Shine, White House deputy chief of staff for communications, of CNN White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins, on Thursday.

Collins was not allowed by the White House to cover an even with Trump and Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission on Wednesday.

Collins previously said she was denied access after she posed question to Trump that White House officials deemed "inappropriate."

Shine on Thursday objected to the word "ban" being displayed on television screens by networks during coverage of Collins not being allowed to go to an open press event. Shine did not specify on what network he saw the word "ban."

When asked what would he would use instead, Shine refused to answer.

"When you ask her if we ever use the word 'ban,' then I will answer that," he said.

The White House Wednesday evening said that Collins "shouted questions and refused to leave despite repeatedly being asked to do so."

Collins was then informed "she was not welcome to participate in the next event," press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement. She added that another journalist from her network could attend, though.

"To be clear, we support a free press and ask that everyone be respectful of the presidency and guests at the White House,” Sanders said .