US TV networks halt Trump coverage after CNN ban

• ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox News and CNN have suspended their shared television pool coverage of President Donald Trump after the White House barred CNN from carrying out its scheduled duties.
• CNN, MS NOW and Politico have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing that the restrictions violate First Amendment protections for the press.

Five major US television networks have suspended their shared coverage of President Donald Trump’s official events after the White House prevented CNN from carrying out its scheduled role in the presidential television pool.

The decision was announced Monday after CNN was excluded from the White House and prevented from accompanying Trump during his trip to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.

The rotating television pool is made up of ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News and NBC. The networks take turns providing camera crews and live footage of presidential events to other news organizations, particularly when space is limited at locations such as the White House or aboard Air Force One.

Bryan Boughton, Fox News’ Washington bureau chief and current chair of the television pool, informed members that the pool would no longer cover presidential events designated for shared coverage.

“No replacement pool” would be put in place, according to the notice. Coverage of other officials and events would continue separately.

The networks said in a joint statement that the public has a vital interest in receiving accurate and independent information about the government and that no administration should restrict a news organization because it objects to its reporting.

The decision means Trump’s trip to New York for the UN General Assembly will proceed without the traditional pooled television camera accompanying the president.

The development followed Trump’s decision to bar CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House.

The three outlets filed a lawsuit Monday seeking to restore their access, arguing that the administration’s actions violate their rights under the First Amendment, which protects freedom of speech and freedom of the press. A federal hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday.

The news organizations said the White House revoked their access without notice or formal proceedings and accused the administration of acting because of objections to their reporting.

The White House has defended its decision, with Trump accusing the outlets of publishing “fake news.” The administration has not accepted the media organizations’ characterization of the restrictions as a First Amendment violation.

The White House Correspondents’ Association has also criticized the restrictions, saying Americans should be able to scrutinize elected officials through a free and independent press regardless of whether government officials approve of the coverage.

The dispute has intensified longstanding tensions between Trump and major US news organizations. Trump has repeatedly criticized media outlets over their coverage, both during his first presidency and since returning to office in 2025. The current dispute has escalated into a legal challenge and an unprecedented suspension of the television pool’s presidential coverage.