White House backs Trump media ban as networks halt pool coverage

On September 21, 2026, the White House defended President Donald Trump’s decision to exclude CNN, MSNOW, and Politico from press briefings and pool access, saying the First Amendment protects publishing but does not guarantee a seat in the press room. The administration noted that previous Democratic administrations, including Obama’s09 barring of Fox News and the Biden administration’s restriction of over 440 reporters through a retroactive credentialing process, have also limited press access. It said 92% of coverage by mainstream outlets during Trump’s second term was negative, compared to roughly 60% positive during the same period under Biden.

In response, ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox News announced they are suspending their White House pool coverage and will no longer send camera crews to cover Trump’s pool events, a move that took effect as Trump unveiled a new White House helicopter landing pad on Monday. Senator Edward Markey condemned the ban on X, warning it would have a chilling effect on expression and calling it authoritarian and unconstitutional.

The restriction affects only the three named outlets; other media retain access, but the networks’ pullback reduces visual reporting of Trump’s activities. Will this media standoff encourage more outlets to withdraw coverage, or will public and institutional pressure lead to a restoration of full press access?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/21/white-house-defends-trump-media-ban-as-tv-networks-halt-coverage/