CNN Again Shut Out of White House TV Pool Amid Credential Fight

CNN has once again been excluded from the White House's TV pool following a legal dispute with President Donald Trump over access and press credentials. On Sunday, the White House had initially listed CNN as the primary network for TV pool coverage on October 1. This was significant as Trump’s White House had previously barred CNN from flying on Air Force One, hindering the network’s ability to report on the president alongside other major outlets.

However, with Trump traveling to Texas and Oklahoma on Thursday, the White House released a revised press schedule, removing CNN from the travel pool list. The White House did not immediately respond to inquiries for further information. CNN confirmed the exclusion to TheWrap, directing them to a statement from their legal counsel, Ted Boutrous.

Boutrous emphasized that the ban on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico by the White House was a clear violation of the First Amendment and due process. He accused the administration of retaliating against unfavorable reporting. CNN, MS NOW, and Politico have filed a motion to extend the White House access order. They warned that Trump would likely reinstate the complete ban if allowed.

The outlets argue that the ban is an unlawful attack on their First Amendment rights and would cause significant harm. The White House responded, claiming that President Trump is the most accessible president in history, holding frequent press events, and engaging with the public through social media. They argued that reporters seeking headlines and predetermined narratives do not require access to the White House.

The conflict originated on September 18 when Trump announced a ban on CNN, Politico, and MS NOW for their negative coverage. CNN, Politico, and MS NOW subsequently sued Trump and his administration after losing their press credentials. Despite the lawsuit, Trump remained steadfast in his decision, accusing the outlets of consistently writing negative articles about him.

A U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly ordered the reinstatement of credentials for reporters from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico on Thursday, but it took until noon for them to regain access. The White House then barred CNN from flying on Air Force One, continuing their efforts to ban the network.