Major US TV networks halt participation in White House press pool over media ban

The largest television networks in the United States announced on Monday that they were suspending their participation in the press pool rotation system, which serves as the basis for preparing coverage of President Donald Trump. The move comes as a direct response to a decision issued by the White House the previous Friday, which barred several media outlets from accessing the White House.

The ban affects a number of widely recognized American media organizations, including CNN, "MS NOW" and "Politico". Following Friday's decision, these outlets are no longer able to access White House premises, which is essential for directly reporting on the president's activities and events within his administration.

The press pool rotation system traditionally allows media representatives to take turns providing live coverage and reporting from locations where the president is present, including the White House itself. This system is considered an important mechanism ensuring the broader media community has access to information about presidential activities, even when individual outlets lack permanent accreditation.

By suspending their participation in this rotation, the major television networks are signaling opposition to restrictions targeting specific media outlets. The move reflects growing tension between the White House and parts of the American press over access rules for journalists covering the president.

It remains unclear how long the networks intend to continue this protest action or how the White House administration will respond.