Jim Acosta, CNN’s chief White House correspondent, was attacked by President Trump after challenging him on his scare-mongering rhetoric on the “caravan” of migrants heading towards the US through Mexico.
President Trump quickly cut off the journalist, and repeatedly blasted “that’s enough”, before a female White House employee attempted the take the microphone out of his hand.
The White House subsequently revoked Mr Acosta’s access, claiming he “placed his hands” on the intern.
Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said on Twitter: “President Trump believes in a free press and expects and welcomes tough questions on him and his administration.
“We will, however, never tolerate, never tolerate a reporter placing his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern.
“Contrary to CNN’s assertions there is no greater demonstration of the President’s support for a free press than the event he held today.
“Only they would attack the President for not supporting a free press in the midst of him taking 68 questions from 35 reporters, over the course of 1.5 hours including several from the reporter in question.
“The fact that CNN is proud of the way their employee behaved is not only disgusting, it’s an example of their outrageous disregard for everyone, including young women, who work in this administration.”
She later confirmed the administration had suspended Mr Acosta’s hard pass to the White House.
Mr Acosta responded to the incident on Twitter, stating: “I’ve just been denied entrance to the White House. Secret Service just informed me I cannot enter the White House grounds for my 8pm hit.”
He also stated Ms Sanders’ claim President Trump believes in a free press was a “lie”.
CNN subsequently confirmed that Mr Acosta has the network’s full support, and described the incident as a “threat to our democracy”.
They news organisation said: “The revocation was done in retaliation for his challenging questions at today’s press conference.
“In an explanation, Press Secretary Sarah Sanders lied. She provided fraudulent accusations and cited an incident that never happened.
“This unprecedented decision is a threat to our democracy and the country deserves better. Jim Acosta has our full support.”
Mr Acosta also drew sympathy from fellow journalists, who expressed their shock at the incident.
Peter Baker, the chief White House correspondent for The New York Times, said: “This is something I’ve never seen since I started covering the White House in 1996.
“Other presidents did not fear tough questioning.”