TV networks resume covering White House as press access fight continues

US television networks recommenced broadcasting President Donald Trump's White House events on Friday, granting the inaugural live pool access for Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit. This occurred amidst an ongoing legal dispute involving the restriction of CNN, MSNBC, and Politico from the White House. The ban was lifted by a federal judge, who deemed it likely unconstitutional.

The White House Television press pool aired video of Xi's arrival for tea on the final day of his visit, as well as the leaders' tour of the National Archives. However, the networks had not provided coverage for the first two days of Xi's visit due to the absence of camera setup in solidarity. Trump, who generally uses media to shape his public image and advance his agenda, maintained a tight grip on media access during his tenure, even restricting Oval Office entry and other restricted areas.

Upon resuming pool coverage, Trump did not answer inquiries about China, Iran, his media ban, and a controversial taxpayer-funded TV ad. He later expressed appreciation for the fair coverage. The White House did not respond to a request for comment on the restored press access. CNN, MSNBC, and Politico had sued Trump and other administration members, arguing that the ban infringed on the First Amendment's protections for free speech and a free press, as well as their due process rights.

Other press freedom groups and numerous news organizations supported their legal action. Despite the temporary ruling allowing access, the court has yet to resolve the main challenge to the ban, which is based on the First Amendment that safeguards free speech and a free press. The news outlets have until September 28 to request the judge to maintain their access pending further proceedings.

Even if they secure a permanent injunction, Trump could still challenge the case in federal court. Trump has been aggressively hostile to the media since his inauguration last year, making personal attacks on journalists, denying access to certain outlets, initiating legal suits against news organizations, and urging the Federal Communications Commission to revoke broadcast station licenses.

On Thursday, Trump playfully joked about China having the most friendly press corps during his welcome of Xi to the White House. The White House claimed to have reinstated CNN, MSNBC, and Politico's access during the court hearing, but CNN and MSNBC later revealed that some journalists were denied access to cover Xi's arrival for the state dinner.

A lawyer for the three outlets warned that the White House might attempt to revoke their access again as the litigation continues. David Ellison, CEO of Paramount Skydance, which aims to merge with CNN-parent Warner Bros. Discovery, attended the Trump-Xi state dinner. Critics have expressed concerns about Paramount-owned CBS News potentially biasing coverage to favor Trump, although Ellison has pledged to establish an editorial independence board for both CBS and CNN as part of the deal.