Networks Suspend Pooled Trump Coverage After White House Bans Outlets

By Sandra Rhodes (/journals/sandra-rhodes)

White House television pool members FOX News Media, ABC News, CBS News, CNN and NBC News have suspended their pooled coverage of President Donald Trump in light of his banning three of their own.

Trump has banned CNN, MS NOW and Politico, alleging the three of reporting "fake news."

Monday was CNN’s turn to serve as White House pool representative. Pool members take turns covering the president and sharing footage.

"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," the pool members, FOX News Media, ABC News, CBS News, CNN and NBC News, said in a joint statement.

CNN, MS NOW and Politico plan to file a lawsuit in response to Trump’s attempted White House ban.

"This morning, we notified the government that we are filing a lawsuit today to protect our First Amendment rights and defend the principle that the government does not decide what the press reports or publishes," the three outlets said in a joint statement.

"Without notice or process, the White House revoked our journalists’ credentials because it objected to our reporting," the statement continued. "Left unchallenged, this threatens press freedom and the public’s right to independent journalism free from government interference."

Trump said he was not going after the "free press."

"The White House is not instituting an assault on the Free Press, something which I cherish. It is instituting an assault on the FAKE NEWS, something that has grown like Cancer in our beloved United States of America. It is corrupt, purposeful, pervasive, fully coordinated, and totally out of control. It is a threat to our National Security, and must be stopped, NOW! Thank you for your attention to this matter," Trump posted on Truth Social.