Trump unveils White House helicopter pad amid US network boycott
The unveiling was overshadowed by the reported absence of major television networks and an inaudible speech.
US President Donald Trump unveiled a new helicopter pad at the White House on 21 September, as major US television networks reportedly stayed away from the event in protest.
Al Jazeera Global News reported that Trump’s speech was inaudible, although the report did not establish whether the problem was caused by a technical failure, poor audio quality or limited access.
The source did not identify which networks were absent or specify the precise reason for their protest, leaving the scope and circumstances of the boycott unclear.
The event followed reported restrictions on CNN, MS NOW and Politico. Background material said the three outlets were banned from the White House on 18 September and that they were suing Trump to overturn the restrictions.
The reported media bans and legal action were not independently established in the event report. Together with the networks’ reported absence, they place media access and the administration’s relationship with news organisations at the centre of the White House event.
