TV Networks Suspend White House Pool Coverage After Trump Bans
Major U.S. television networks have suspended their pooled coverage of President Donald Trump following the White House's decision to ban CNN and other news outlets.
Several major U.S. television networks suspended their pooled coverage of President Donald Trump on Monday after the White House banned CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from access.
Typically, ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, and Fox News rotate the responsibility of capturing television footage and live coverage of the president. In a show of solidarity with CNN, the remaining networks have refused to continue producing the video coverage.
"No administration should restrict a news organization because it objects to its coverage," the networks stated in a joint announcement. Trump announced the ban on Friday via his social media platform, and reporters from the affected outlets were denied entry over the weekend.
CNN, MS NOW, and Politico filed a joint lawsuit against the administration on Monday, seeking to restore their access. They argue the ban violates the First Amendment and due process rights afforded by the U.S. Constitution, citing the President's explicit intent to target organizations for reporting he dislikes.
The situation arises as Trump prepares to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York, a venue for discussions on pressing global issues.