U.S. networks drop Trump coverage after CNN White House ban

Major US television news networks, including ABC, CBS, Fox News, and NBC, have suspended their participation in White House pool coverage following a presidential ban that sparked widespread criticism. This decision came after the administration prohibited certain media outlets, including CNN, from entering the White House grounds. As a result, CNN was unable to fulfill its role as the designated pool broadcaster for Monday's events.

The four networks, along with CNN, who comprise the pool that alternates coverage of presidential events, collectively stated that they would not cover any pool-designated events in solidarity with CNN. According to Bryan Boughton, Fox News's Washington bureau chief and TV pool chair, "Effective today, the TV pool will not be covering events designated as pool coverage of the President." This decision followed the White House's refusal to allow CNN to fulfill its assigned duties.

On Monday, viewers watching the White House feed were unable to hear Trump's remarks during a midday ribbon-cutting ceremony, as the ceremony was accompanied only by the sound of a helicopter engine. Without proper audio, the audience witnessed only the president's lips moving.

The networks' stance was justified by their belief in the public's right to receive accurate and independent information about the government. In a joint statement, the five networks, including CNN, emphasized that "no administration should restrict a news organization because it objects to its reporting."

Despite the broadcast networks' announcement, the print, radio, and wire service press pool continued to provide reports detailing Trump's movements throughout the day. Hours after the decision, the Washington Post also announced that it would withhold its photographs of presidential events until after midnight Eastern Time to support the banned outlets.

Trump's ban on CNN, Politico, and MSN was announced on Friday, citing their alleged habit of writing or reporting "FICTION and LIES." On Saturday, staff from these news organizations were denied access to the White House. In response, various media outlets and first amendment advocacy groups condemned Trump's ban, arguing that it infringed upon the right to a free press.

On Monday, CNN, Politico, and MSN filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, requesting a federal judge to temporarily block the enforcement of the ban and restore the reporters' passes to the White House. In defending his actions, Trump claimed that his ban was not an "assault on the Free Press," but rather an effort to address "national security" threats.

However, his justification has faced criticism, as the President has recently used the same reasoning to justify constructing a triumphal arch and refurbishing the White House ballroom.