But the White House action is unprecedented," CNN Worldwide president Jeff Zucker said in an internal memo to staff.
"It demands the return of the White House credentials of CNN's Chief White House correspondent, Jim Acosta.
"While the suit is specific to CNN and Acosta, this could have happened to anyone," the network said.
"If left unchallenged, the actions of the White House would create a dangerous chilling effect for any journalist who covers our elected officials.".
The next day, CNN sent a formal letter to the White House repeating the request and warning of a possible lawsuit.
During his presidential campaign, Trump told CNN that, if elected, he would not kick reporters out of the White House.
But since moving into the White House, he has mused privately about taking away credentials, CNN reported earlier this year. »