CNN has been excluded from the press pool scheduled to accompany US President Donald Trump on his trip to Tennessee on Saturday, escalating an ongoing dispute between the White House and the news network.
CNN had been scheduled to serve as the television network in the rotating press pool covering Trump’s trip. However, a White House schedule released on Friday evening omitted CNN, as well as the other major television networks that normally participate in the rotation.
Instead, the schedule listed Lindell TV as the “Secondary TV” correspondent and crew. The outlet is operated by businessman Mike Lindell, a prominent Trump ally.
The development comes days after the White House moved to restrict access for CNN, MS NOW and Politico, accusing the outlets of publishing coverage that was overly negative toward Trump.
A federal judge subsequently ordered the administration to temporarily restore the outlets’ access to the White House complex, finding that Trump’s effort to exclude them was likely unconstitutional.
The latest move has renewed concerns among major US broadcasters over restrictions on presidential press coverage.
ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox and NBC earlier issued a joint statement after the five networks temporarily halted pool coverage in solidarity with the affected outlets.
“The public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about its government,” the broadcasters said, arguing that media organisations should not be restricted because of their reporting.
CNN declined to comment on Friday when contacted by AFP, while the White House did not respond to a request for comment.
