US television networks resumed coverage of President Donald Trump’s White House events on Friday, September 25, 2026, marking the initial live pool broadcasting for the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping amid an ongoing legal dispute regarding limitations placed on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico.
Federal Judge Reinstates Press Access After White House Ban
Major television networks returned to covering White House events after a federal judge ordered White House access restored for CNN, MS NOW, and Politico. Following criticism of their reporting as inaccurate or unfavorable, Trump prohibited the three organizations from entering the White House complex over coverage he considered unacceptable. Permission to enter was granted again on Thursday once a federal magistrate concluded the prohibition appeared unconstitutional and mandated immediate reinstatement.
The litigation stems from a complaint brought by CNN, MS NOW, and Politico naming Trump and administration officials as defendants, which argues that the exclusion infringed upon due process guarantees alongside First Amendment safeguards for free speech and a free press found in the US Constitution. A legal memorandum backing the lawsuit was subsequently submitted by numerous news companies, such as Reuters, alongside various press freedom coalitions. Although this preliminary decision reinstated entry rights, the judiciary has not yet made a final determination on the central First Amendment challenge regarding free speech and press freedoms guaranteed by the US Constitution. September 28 marks the deadline for the news companies to request that the judge maintain their access while the litigation proceeds. Trump would retain the ability to pursue his litigation in federal court even if the media organizations successfully obtained a permanent injunction against the restriction.
Xi Jinping Visit Restores Live Pool Broadcasting
The return of camera crews coincided with the final day of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Washington visit. Expenses for presidential coverage are divided among CNN, ABC, CBS, Fox News, and NBC, who take turns supplying footage to other news organizations. Due to the solidarity shown by other networks in withholding their cameras, the initial two days of Xi’s visit lacked any pool coverage. The White House television press pool aired video of Xi’s arrival at the White House for tea on the final day of the Chinese leader’s visit, as well as the two leaders’ tour of the National Archives, which houses the US Constitution.
During the resumption of pool broadcasting for Xi’s Friday arrival at the White House, Trump ignored inquiries concerning Iran, China, his restrictions on journalists, and a disputed taxpayer-financed television commercial advertising his administration. He later thanked reporters, stating, We appreciate the fair coverage. It's been very fair. We appreciate it,
alongside Xi. The White House did not respond to a request for comment about the restored press access.
Ongoing Restrictions and Friction Over White House Access
Despite the temporary judicial relief, friction between the administration and targeted news organizations persists. On Friday night, CNN reported that it was excluded from accompanying Trump aboard Air Force One for a scheduled weekend journey to Tennessee. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.
The dispute unfolds against a broader backdrop of tense relations between the administration and major news organizations. Media platforms have historically served Trump in building his public profile and pushing his political goals, despite his frequent characterization of news entities as political opponents. His administration has adopted a hostile approach toward prominent news companies following his return to power last year, which has involved restricting entry to the Oval Office and other restricted areas. Trump has waged an unprecedented campaign against the media.
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