US media networks suspend pooled Trump coverage after White House bans three outlets
Major television networks have halted shared coverage of Donald Trump’s presidential events after CNN, MS NOW and Politico were barred from the White House and filed a lawsuit challenging the restrictions.
Major US television networks have suspended designated pooled coverage of President Donald Trump after the White House barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico from access.
The White House accused the three organisations of publishing “fiction or lies” about the administration. The outlets said their journalists’ credentials were revoked without notice and announced legal action in the US District Court in Washington, saying the restrictions threatened independent reporting and press freedom.
The media pool normally allows organisations to share footage from presidential events, reducing the cost and logistical demands of coverage. A rotating organiser said the television pool would no longer cover events designated for pooled coverage and that no replacement pool would be established.
The suspension disrupted coverage of Trump’s travel to New York and a Marine One helipad ceremony at the White House. The ceremony was streamed by the White House, but Trump’s comments were reportedly inaudible. Several other outlets, including the New York Times and Washington Post, also declined to share still images from some events.
The White House subsequently launched Trump TV, a 24-hour streaming channel carrying clips of the president. Trump later dismissed the boycott after meeting New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, saying he was not concerned by the decision.
The lawsuit’s precise legal status and outcome have not been provided. It is also unclear whether the access restrictions are permanent.
