Trump announces new plans for arch project as White House faces press access dispute

President Donald Trump is announcing new plans for his proposed arch construction project as his administration faces mounting criticism over its decision to bar journalists from several major news organizations from the White House.

(NBC)- President Donald Trump is announcing new plans for his proposed arch construction project as his administration faces mounting criticism over its decision to bar journalists from several major news organizations from the White House.

The administration’s plans call for the arch project to include a high-level military complex, adding another element to the president’s construction proposal.

The announcement comes as CNN, MS NOW and Politico say their journalists were denied access to the White House grounds Saturday and had their press credentials confiscated. Trump announced the ban Friday, accusing the outlets of reporting what he called “fake news.”

The three news organizations have challenged the restrictions and argued that they violate First Amendment protections. The White House Correspondents’ Association has also called for the reporters’ access to be restored.

The dispute comes as Trump faces declining approval ratings in recent polling and prepares for a busy week of domestic and international events.

The president is expected to participate in events surrounding the United Nations General Assembly and host Chinese President Xi Jinping as his administration deals with several major foreign and domestic policy issues.