TV networks resume covering White House as press access fight continues

On Friday, US television networks recommenced broadcasting live from the White House, marking a milestone in the ongoing legal dispute concerning restrictions on CNN, MSN, and Politico. President Donald Trump had previously barred these outlets from the presidential residence, but a judge subsequently ordered the administration to reinstate their access.

The White House television press pool aired footage of Chinese President Xi Jinping's arrival at the White House for tea and their tour of the National Archives. CNN, ABC, CBS, Fox News, and NBC shared the expenses of covering the president, rotating coverage among themselves.

However, some networks initially refused to set up cameras in solidarity, resulting in a lack of press coverage during the first two days of Xi's visit. CNN announced on Friday evening that it had been barred from traveling with Trump on Air Force One for a weekend trip to Tennessee. The White House was unavailable to comment on the matter.

Trump, who frequently utilizes the media to project his image and advance his agenda, has taken an adversarial stance towards major news organizations since his inauguration, restricting access to the Oval Office and other restricted areas. During Friday's pool coverage of Xi's arrival, Trump declined to address questions regarding China, Iran, his media ban, and a recent taxpayer-funded TV ad promoting his presidency.

He later expressed appreciation for the fair coverage, stating, "We appreciate the fair coverage. It’s been very fair. We appreciate it."

The White House did not respond to requests for further comment on the restored press access. Trump had banned CNN, MSN, and Politico from the White House complex in February, claiming their coverage was false or negative. Their access was restored on Thursday after a federal judge ruled the ban likely unconstitutional, citing violations of the US Constitution's First Amendment protections for free speech and a free press, as well as their due process rights.

The three news outlets and a coalition of press freedom groups filed a legal brief in support of the action. Despite the temporary ruling, the court has yet to resolve the primary challenge to the ban, which stems from the First Amendment of the US Constitution that safeguards free speech and a free press. The outlets have until September 28 to request the judge maintain their access while the case proceeds.

Even if a permanent injunction is granted, Trump could still pursue the matter in federal court. Trump has waged a relentless campaign against the media since his election year, attacking journalists, limiting access to select outlets, and suing news organizations, as well as proposing legislation to revoke broadcast licenses. A lawyer for the three outlets warned that the White House might attempt to revoke their access once more as the legal proceedings continue.