Trump inaugurates White House helipad but networks skip coverage over media ban

U.S. television networks suspended pool coverage of President Donald Trump on Monday following CNN's removal as the pool network covering the president. ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, and Fox News typically rotate responsibilities for capturing television footage and live coverage of the president, a practice known as pooling. In solidarity with CNN, the other networks are refusing to take over and continue that video coverage, according to the New York Times.

A joint statement from the networks read, "No administration should restrict a news organization because it objects to its coverage."

Trump announced the ban on Friday via social media, and reporters from the news organizations were denied entry to the White House grounds over the weekend. CNN, MS NOW, and Politico subsequently filed a joint lawsuit against the administration, arguing that the ban violates the First Amendment and due process under the U.S. Constitution.

The outlets claim that Trump's ban is a direct attack on the First Amendment and a blatant violation of fundamental constitutional principles. They argue that the ban is viewpoint-discriminatory, targeting CNN, MS NOW, and Politico because of their reporting on "FAKE NEWS," which he routinely applies to any reporting he dislikes.

The lawsuit against the administration is expected to be heard by a federal judge in the D.C. District Court, with potential hearings possible as early as this week, according to CNN. Vice President JD Vance defended the denied access to reporters on Monday, stating that Trump is not "banning" media outlets but rather denying them special access if they engage in what he considers propaganda.

This situation occurs at a critical time for press coverage, as Trump is set to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York later that day, while world leaders gather for discussions on issues such as Iran, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and Ukraine.