Trump event goes without TV coverage after CNN barred from White House

White House held its inaugural event on Monday, absent the customary television coverage from major networks. Following a refusal by ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox to supply a substitute crew for CNN, who had been barred from the White House, the presidential event proceeded without joint broadcast network coverage. The ceremony marked the inauguration of a new helicopter landing pad on the South Lawn of the White House, attended by construction workers who brought the project to fruition.

The event was documented on CNN's social media channels, but the presence of network journalists was notably absent. Confusion arose during Trump's remarks due to the noise from the presidential helicopter, Marine One, disrupting the recording before his departure for New York. The four major networks subsequently announced they would not replace the CNN crew, leading to the decision.

Prior to the event, the Trump administration had prohibited CNN, MSN Now, and Politico from covering White House activities. These organizations have since filed a lawsuit in federal court in Washington, seeking to regain access to the White House. Following the inauguration, Trump proceeded to New York for a two-day visit, participating in the United Nations General Assembly, where he was set to address the assembly, engage in bilateral meetings, and hold discussions with various leaders and political figures.