Trump lifts ban on Washington Post, other news media

Reporters from the banned organizations had often gained access to Trump’s campaign events as regular citizens, but could be tossed out by his security officials if discovered.

Trump’s campaign confirmed to CNBC on Wednesday that the media blacklist is being removed.

Trump has been outspoken against the media but seems to be lightening up his stance against some outlets.

Trump’s “blacklist” started previous year when he denied press credential requests from The Huffington Post and Des Moines Register, according to CNN.

Disclosure: CNBC parent company NBCUniversal is an investor in BuzzFeed.

Trump’s refusal to officially invite reporters from certain organizations did not necessarily stop them from getting access to his events as regular citizens, but as CNN points out, the fact that the blacklist even became a thing in the first place sent a very strong message about what kind of places Trump rallies tend to be.

As such, the ban was mostly symbolic, signaling to voters that the nominee would take harsh measures to retaliate against news coverage he deemed unfair. “We’re pleased to see the ban come to a long-overdue end”. Trump told the cable news outlet of the move.

Some privately said Trump began to reconsider his ban after his inclusion of the Post created a backlash among some voters, who considered it draconian and authoritarian.

Trump’s running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R), said repeatedly this summer that he would push the real estate mogul to be more open with the press.

No one from Trump’s camp was immediately available for comment about their change in policy.