Key Takeaways
- US television networks resumed coverage of President Trump’s White House events.
- CNN, MS NOW and Politico’s access was reinstated after a judge deemed the ban likely unconstitutional.
- The White House television press pool aired video of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s arrival.
US television networks, including CNN, ABC, CBS, Fox News and NBC, resumed coverage of President Donald Trump’s White House events on Friday, providing the first live pool access for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit.
The White House television press pool aired video of Xi’s arrival at the White House for tea on the final day of his visit, as well as the two leaders’ tour of the National Archives, which houses the US Constitution.
CNN, MS NOW and Politico were banned from the White House complex over coverage Trump asserted was false or negative, but their access was reinstated on Thursday after a federal judge deemed the ban likely unconstitutional and ordered their access to be immediately restored.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters. Trump has long relied on the media to shape his public image and advance his agenda, even as he regularly casts news organisations as political adversaries.
Since returning to office last year, his administration has taken an aggressive stance against major news outlets, including limiting access to the Oval Office and other restricted spaces.
Despite the temporary ruling restoring access, the court has not yet resolved the main challenge to the ban, based on the First Amendment of the US Constitution that protects the right to free speech and a free press.
The news outlets now have until September 28 to ask the judge to keep their access in place while the case moves forward.
Even if the outlets won a permanent injunction against the ban, Trump could still appeal the decision.
CNN on Friday evening said it had been barred from traveling with Trump on Air Force One for a weekend trip to Tennessee. The White House did not respond to a request for comment.
