White House removes CNN from press pool for Trump’s upcoming trip to Texas and Oklahoma
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- The White House removed CNN from the press pool covering President Trump’s trip on Thursday, escalating tensions after a federal judge blocked the administration's attempt to restrict CNN's media access.
- CNN had been initially designated for pool coverage but was excluded in the daily guidance for Trump’s visit to Texas and Oklahoma, following a recent ban on CNN flying on Air Force One.
- CNN and other affected outlets, represented by attorney Theodore Boutrous, argue the bans violate the First Amendment and due process, and have sought a federal judge to extend the pause on Trump’s media restrictions.
- Several major news organizations and press associations have supported CNN legally and protested the White House’s actions, with some networks briefly boycotting pool duties in solidarity.
- This incident follows previous media access restrictions by Trump, including a 2025 ban on The Associated Press, which remains the subject of ongoing litigation.
