White House bars CNN from covering Trump on behalf of major TV networks during Tennessee trip

The White House under President Trump faced criticism after it barred CNN from fulfilling its duties to cover the president on behalf of major television networks, specifically preventing the outlet from flying on Air Force One. This action followed a broader announcement by the Trump administration to ban CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House entirely, citing what President Trump deemed "fake news".

In response to CNN's exclusion, other major television networks, including ABC, CBS, Fox News, and NBC, collectively suspended their participation in the White House TV press pool in a show of solidarity. This unprecedented move disrupted real-time coverage of the president's events, with the networks emphasizing the public's right to independent information. CNN, along with MS NOW and Politico, subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging violations of their First Amendment rights.

While a judge later issued a ruling that temporarily restored credentials for the banned outlets, and the TV pool resumed normal operations, the White House then moved to specifically bar CNN from Air Force One for a subsequent presidential trip. President Trump continued to defend his stance, reiterating his desire for "real news" and not "fake news".