The White House has removed CNN from the media pool scheduled to accompany US President Donald Trump on a trip to Tennessee, further escalating tensions between the administration and the news network.
CNN reporters were expected to travel with Trump on Saturday as part of the rotating press pool that covers the President and shares reports with other media organisations.
However, a schedule released by the White House on Friday evening did not include CNN or any of the television networks that normally participate in the rotation.
The development came after the Trump administration moved to restrict access to CNN, MS NOW and Politico, accusing the outlets of consistently portraying the President negatively.
Journalists from the three organisations were subsequently denied entry to the White House complex. A judge later ordered that their access be temporarily restored, ruling that Trump’s action was likely unconstitutional.
The press pool operates on a rotational basis because space for journalists on presidential trips is limited. Members are expected to provide coverage that can be used by other news organisations.
Instead of CNN, the White House schedule listed Lindell TV as the “Secondary TV” correspondent and crew. The outlet is operated by businessman Mike Lindell, a prominent Trump supporter and ally.
The latest development followed a joint action by the five major US television broadcasters — ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox and NBC — which earlier in the week halted White House pool coverage in protest against restrictions placed on journalists.
In a joint statement, the broadcasters said, “The public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about its government. No administration should restrict a news organisation because it objects to its reporting.”
CNN declined to comment on the latest development when contacted by AFP, while the White House also did not respond to a request for comment.
The dispute has raised fresh concerns over media access to the US President and the relationship between the Trump administration and news organisations critical of its policies.
