WASHINGTON, United States: CNN journalists were barred from travelling with US President Donald Trump on Saturday after the White House removed the network from the press pool covering his trip to Tennessee.
CNN had been scheduled to serve as the television network in the presidential press pool for Saturday’s trip, a rotating arrangement in which journalists travel with the president and share coverage with other media organisations due to limited space.
However, a White House schedule released on Friday evening did not include CNN or other major television networks in the TV pool rotation. Instead, it listed Lindell TV, a pro-Trump outlet run by businessman Mike Lindell, as the secondary television correspondent and crew.
White House access dispute continues
The decision follows Trump’s recent attempt to restrict access for CNN, MS NOW and Politico, accusing the outlets of providing negative coverage of his administration.
ALSO READ: White House Restores Access to CNN, MS Now and Politico after Court Order
After reporters from the three organisations were blocked from entering the White House complex, a judge ordered their access to be temporarily restored, ruling that the move was likely unconstitutional.
The White House has not commented on the latest decision, while CNN declined to provide a statement when contacted.
Broadcasters previously halted pool coverage
Earlier this week, major US broadcasters including ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox and NBC temporarily stopped participating in White House press pool coverage in a rare show of unity.
The networks said the public had a strong interest in receiving independent information about government activities and argued that media organisations should not face restrictions because of their reporting.
Press access debate continues
The dispute has renewed debate in Washington over the relationship between the White House and media organisations covering presidential activities.
The presidential press pool system allows journalists from different outlets to share access and provide reporting to a wider group of news organisations when space is limited.
