CNN barred from traveling with Trump

CLASH WITH MEDIA: A schedule released by the White House on Friday evening did not list a TV network in the TV pool rotation and instead only had a pro-Trump outlet

CNN reporters were barred from traveling with US President Donald Trump yesterday, in a new move by the White House to limit the news network’s access.

The US president last week sought to ban three US outlets — CNN, MS NOW and Politico — from the White House, accusing them of providing only negative coverage on him.

After journalists with the three outlets were blocked from entering the White House complex, a judge ordered their access to be temporarily restored, saying Trump’s move was likely unconstitutional.

CNN White House correspondent Betsy Klein reports from the White House in Washington on Thursday.

Photo: Reuters

For Trump’s trip yesterday to Tennessee, CNN had been scheduled to be the TV network in the press “pool” traveling with him.

However, a schedule released by the White House on Friday evening did not list CNN or any of the TV networks in the TV pool rotation.

The pool is a rotating group of journalists that travel with the president and provide coverage to other outlets, due to limited space.

The White House schedule only listed a “Secondary TV” correspondent and crew: Lindell TV — a staunchly pro-Trump outlet run by his close ally businessman Mike Lindell.

Earlier this week, when CNN’s White House access was still revoked, the top five US broadcasters made a rare joint move to halt pool coverage of the White House in solidarity.

“The public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about its government. No administration should restrict a news organization because it objects to its reporting,” ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox and NBC said.

CNN declined to comment when reached on Friday. The White House did not respond to a request for comment.