The White House has excluded CNN from Air Force One for President Donald Trump’s journey to a college football game in Tennessee on Saturday. This decision has arisen amid ongoing tensions regarding media access, which have significant implications for the First Amendment. Despite being part of the rotating US network video pool that documents presidential activities, CNN was informed on Friday night that it would not be on the flight, as the White House opted for conservative outlet Real America’s Voice instead.

This change came after reporters from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico were allowed back on the White House grounds. These journalists returned with television cameras following a temporary court injunction issued by US District Judge Timothy Kelly, which blocked the White House from banning these organisations. Although the ruling reinstated their hard passes for White House access, it did not extend to duties involving the presidential pool or Air Force One access.

The allocation of the reserved seat on the aircraft had historically been designated for a member of the network video pool, which does not include Real America’s Voice. The White House has not responded to inquiries from The Associated Press regarding this matter, and CNN refrained from commenting on the situation.

Trump’s Reaction and Media Dynamics

On the morning of the trip, President Trump commented publicly on the broader media issue through social media, stating, “FAKE NEWS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED IN THE WHITE HOUSE!!! IT HAS GONE ON FAR TOO LONG, AT A TREMENDOUS COST TO OUR COUNTRY.” This statement highlights the contentious relationship between the Trump administration and certain media outlets.

Theodore Boutrous Jr., representing CNN, MS NOW, and Politico, did not provide immediate feedback concerning the situation on Friday night. However, earlier in the day during a broadcast of “The Lead with Jake Tapper,” he mentioned that the plaintiffs believed the recent court ruling was applicable to pool access as well.

Following the court ruling, the US network video pool resumed operations at the White House after being suspended due to Trump’s restrictions on the three media outlets. This allowed CNN to air footage of Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping visiting the National Archives, although live video coverage of Trump’s activities had been absent for several days prior.

The Role of the Press Pool

The press pool, which comprises five major US broadcasting outlets, has been instrumental in ensuring that a rotating group of journalists always travels with the president. Established decades ago by the White House Correspondents’ Association, the pool enables comprehensive sharing of reports and visuals amongst the wider media. The association aims to hold the president accountable to the public.

The recent exclusion of CNN from Air Force One, despite the restoration of its ground access, raises questions about the future of pool coverage and media access under Trump’s presidency. The decision has resulted in uncertain conditions regarding which outlets can accompany the president during travel and coverage events.

Historically, Trump has increasingly challenged media organisations that he perceives as unfavourable, often employing executive actions or legal measures. For instance, he previously excluded Associated Press reporters from White House events due to their refusal to adopt a new naming convention for the Gulf of Mexico. This case is currently under appeal following a federal district judge’s ruling favouring the AP.

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