US justice department investigates TV networks over Trump pool coverage

The US justice department (DoJ) is probing several television networks over allegations they may have broken federal competition laws by suspending pool coverage of President Donald Trump, according to the agency. ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News are among the networks asked to provide communications related to the White House TV pool, a system where networks cease covering the president and share footage with other media outlets.

The networks halted this system temporarily last month after the president barred CNN, MS Now and Politico from the White House. The DoJ spokesperson cited the Sherman Act, stating group boycotts among commercial competitors can violate federal competition laws. The Antitrust Division is investigating to ascertain whether these news organizations have violated antitrust laws.

The White House reinstated access for CNN, MS Now and Politico after a judge's ruling. The three outlets had sued the Trump administration, contending restricted access infringed upon their First Amendment rights. The First Amendment prohibits the government from "abridging" the freedom of the press, a principle courts have interpreted as preventing the government from discriminating against media based on the content of their coverage.

The Trump administration has made numerous legal moves against news publications, including lawsuits over coverage and attempts to control the press pool.