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Trump cuts ribbon on latest White House construction project — but major TV networks refuse to show it
New York Post • • nation
Key Points:
- President Trump unveiled a new $6 million granite helipad at the White House, featuring the U.S. seal, but major TV networks did not broadcast the event amid escalating tensions between the White House and the media.
- The White House barred CNN from the TV pool, leading other networks to suspend the pool coverage, which provides essential audio and video footage of presidential events to news organizations worldwide.
- The event was streamed only on White House social media, but loud noise from Marine One's running engine made Trump's remarks inaudible, and no national media cameras were present to capture the event.
- The helipad was built to accommodate the new, larger Marine One helicopter, and follows other construction projects undertaken by Trump during his second term, including a new ballroom and an arch.
- The TV blackout's duration is uncertain, raising concerns among major news outlets about restricted access to presidential coverage during a week of significant international meetings, including the UN General Assembly and a state visit from President Xi Jinping.
