GOP Strategist Says ‘Republicans Behind Closed Doors’ All Admit Trump’s White House Press Ban Is ‘Problem’

Republican strategist Melik Abdul said his fellow conservatives will not admit it publicly, but in private, they all believe President Donald Trump made a big mistake with his ban on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico.

Abdul shared his take on the ban — which Trump announced on Friday, barring the three outlets from covering him at the White House — during a Monday appearance on CNN This Morning.

“If you talk to Republicans behind closed doors, everyone acknowledges this is a problem,” Abdul said. “And you ask, ‘Well, why can’t you say this on television?’ We know why: because this is just not what these platforms are for.”

“Actually, they’re definitely for this. Get up and tell the truth.” said host Audie Cornish.

Abdul continued, saying the reason Republicans will not go on TV and bash the press ban is because 1) they are concerned Trump will rip them back on Truth Social and 2) they are worried about losing access to Trump’s inner circle.

His appearance coincided with the White House expanding the press ban and yanking CNN off its scheduled TV pool assignment on Monday. Trump defended the ban on Monday morning, saying the free press is “something which I cherish” — but he viewed the outlets as nothing more than “FAKE NEWS” peddlers.

“It is instituting an assault on the FAKE NEWS, something that has grown like Cancer in our beloved United States of America,” Trump said. “It is corrupt, purposeful, pervasive, fully coordinated, and totally out of control. It is a threat to our National Security, and must be stopped, NOW! Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

Abdul added GOP commentators like himself will make the “obligatory” arguments on TV to defend Trump’s press ban, like pointing out ex-President Joe Biden slashed the press credentials for more than 400 reporters; he also pointed out former President Barack Obama spied on a Fox News reporter during his time in office.

But he said the president’s ban is ultimately something all GOP strategists and politicians struggle with, when they’re not in front of a camera.

“If you talk to Republicans behind closed doors. What you’re hearing is this type of petulance, this type of performative thing the president does, it is truly exhausting,” Abdul said.

Watch above via CNN.

Jason Cohen contributed to this report.

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