White House Blocks CNN From Covering Trump On Air Force One As TV Pool Network

The White House has excluded CNN from accompanying President Donald Trump on Air Force One for an upcoming visit to Tennessee. This decision comes amid ongoing tensions between the administration and the media. Earlier, the White House had lifted its ban on certain news organizations, but CNN was not included in the updated media schedule.

The broadcaster had been set to fly with Trump to attend a college American football game between the University of Tennessee and University of Texas in Knoxville. Following the White House's exclusion list, CNN, Politico, and MSNBC have threatened legal action, claiming their constitutional rights to free speech and the press are being infringed upon.

Previously, Trump had barred CNN, Politico, and MSNBC journalists from the White House, accusing them of spreading "fiction or lies" about his administration. In response, the three outlets are seeking legal recourse, alleging Trump's actions violate their rights. In addition, four other television networks that regularly provide White House coverage have paused their broadcasts in solidarity with the banned outlets.

The White House has since launched its own streaming channel, Trump TV, ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York. Despite a federal judge ruling that Trump's ban on news outlets was likely unconstitutional, the administration has continued to deny entry to some CNN and MS NOW reporters assigned to cover a state dinner for Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Trump has frequently criticized the media, labeling them "fake news" and asserting that they are not permitted inside the White House or at any events.