Five major television networks have suspended White House pool coverage after the Trump administration barred reporters from CNN, MS Now, and Politico from the White House grounds and stripped CNN of its role as the networks’ pool representative.
ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News, and NBC acted in solidarity following President Trump’s Saturday order, which he said was a response to what he called negative and false coverage. “They shouldn’t be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES when they’re covering the President of the United States,” Trump posted on social media.
“I don’t have to let them into my, into the people’s house,” he added, warning that other outlets could be added to the ban. The three excluded organizations have filed a legal challenge, arguing the restriction violates the First Amendment.
In a joint statement, the five networks said “the public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about its government. No administration should restrict a news organization because it objects to its reporting.”
Pool coverage of Congress, visiting dignitaries, and selected events in Washington and elsewhere will continue as usual.