DOJ Probes TV Networks Over Coordinated Halt of Trump Coverage

The Justice Department opened an antitrust investigation into whether five major television networks coordinated to suspend White House press pool coverage of President Donald Trump. The probe examines a potential violation of the Sherman Act through group boycotts among competitors.

The networks—ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News—paused pool coverage last month after the administration withdrew credentials from CNN, MS NOW and Politico. A Justice Department spokesperson stated that the Antitrust Division is determining whether the simultaneous decision breached federal law. The White House had described press access as a privilege rather than a right.

U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly later ruled the credential withdrawal likely unconstitutional and ordered reinstatement. The three outlets had sued, alleging retaliation over their coverage. Pool operations resumed after the order, though disputes over specific events continued.

The White House press pool rotates among the five networks to share costs and footage. All five suspended coverage in response to the exclusions. The Justice Department requested communications among the networks regarding the pool.

Jose Zamora, Americas director for the Committee to Protect Journalists, said the government should not use antitrust investigations to intimidate outlets defending press access. The networks have not commented publicly on the inquiry.

The administration had previously moved in February to assume control of pool management from the White House Correspondents’ Association and to restrict Associated Press access over terminology disputes. Those actions remain subject to separate litigation.