Major US television networks have halted their joint coverage of President Donald Trump’s activities at the White House in protest against the administration’s decision to ban CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House.
ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox and NBC announced on Monday that they would suspend their participation in the White House television “pool,” in which one broadcaster provides footage for other networks.
CNN was scheduled to provide the pool coverage on Monday. The boycott meant that Trump’s opening of a new White House helipad and his trip to the United Nations General Assembly in New York received no live television coverage from the major US networks.
The three banned media organizations—CNN, MS NOW and Politico—filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing that the restrictions violate the First Amendment, which protects freedom of the press.
A US district judge has scheduled a hearing on the case for Wednesday.
Trump defended the ban, accusing the media of being a threat to national security and describing what he called “fake news” as a growing problem.
The White House also launched a new streaming platform called “Trump TV,” which it said would provide videos, speeches and other highlights from the president around the clock.
Vice President JD Vance defended the administration’s decision, saying the affected media organizations could continue reporting but would no longer have offices inside the White House.
The dispute comes amid a broader conflict between the Trump administration and several US media organizations over access to the White House and the way the president is covered by the press.
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