White House blocks CNN from Trump trip

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CNN reporters have been barred from travelling with US President Donald Trump as planned on Saturday, in a new move by the White House to limit the news network’s access.

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The 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 of him.

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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

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

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AFP

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