US networks halt Trump coverage over White House ban

On Monday, prominent American television networks ceased their participation in a cycle of broadcasters responsible for covering President Donald Trump, following a White House ban imposed on three major news outlets. CNN, MSNBC, and Politico had filed a lawsuit against the White House after they were barred from the presidential complex last week.

The organizations argued that this ban was an egregious violation of the First Amendment and fundamental constitutional principles. In solidarity with CNN, the five major U.S. broadcasters subsequently announced an end to their pool coverage of the White House. CNN had been scheduled to provide television outlets with a rotating assignment, wherein they would film on behalf of all networks for a specific day.

The White House TV pool had been assigned to CNN for Monday. The public has a legitimate interest in receiving accurate and independent information about its government. Consequently, the ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox, and NBC networks collectively asserted that no administration should restrict a news organization merely because it objects to their reporting.