Politics · United States · 21 hrs ago
US Justice Department investigates five networks over White House coverage boycott
The US Justice Department is investigating ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News over a shared suspension of White House coverage.
The networks stopped providing coverage after the White House revoked credentials for reporters from CNN, Politico and MS NOW on September 19.
The White House said access to the president was a privilege, while the affected outlets sued, arguing the exclusions violated the First Amendment.
A judge later ruled the ban was likely unconstitutional and ordered the White House to restore access, which it did on September 24.
The Justice Department says group boycotts by commercial competitors can violate federal antitrust law, and it is investigating whether the networks broke those laws.
The probe adds legal and possible financial pressure to an already tense relationship between the Trump administration and major news organisations.
The investigation’s outcome has not been stated.
The US Justice Department is investigating ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News over a boycott of White House coverage.
The department is examining whether the networks’ actions violated federal antitrust laws.
The networks suspended coverage in solidarity with reporters whose White House credentials had been revoked.
The White House blocked reporters from CNN, Politico and MS NOW from entering the building on September 19.
A judge ruled the ban was likely unconstitutional, and the White House restored the reporters’ credentials on September 24.
- Who
- The US Justice Department is investigating ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News.
- What
- The department is examining whether the networks violated federal antitrust laws by suspending White House coverage.
- When
- The investigation was reported on October 11, 2026. Its exact launch date is not stated.
- Where
- The White House and the United States.
- Why
- The networks suspended coverage in solidarity with reporters whose White House credentials had been revoked.
US Justice Department
Five television networks
Antitrust concerns
US Justice Department
The department said group boycotts among commercial competitors can violate the Sherman Act and is investigating whether the networks violated antitrust laws.
Five television networks
The networks suspended White House coverage in solidarity with reporters whose credentials had been revoked.
White House access
US Justice Department
The White House said covering the president was a privilege, not a right.
Five television networks
The excluded outlets sued, alleging the exclusions violated the First Amendment and were retaliation for their coverage.
Group boycotts among commercial competitors can violate the Sherman Act
The Antitrust Division is simply investigating to determine whether these news organisations have violated the antitrust laws.
privilege — not a right
The White House blocked reporters from CNN, Politico and MS NOW from entering the building and revoked their credentials.
The White House restored the credentials after a judge ruled the ban was likely unconstitutional and ordered the administration to restore access.
The five television networks suspended White House coverage in solidarity and refused to provide replacement coverage.
ABC Australia reported that the Justice Department was investigating the five networks.
- Networks under investigation
- ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News
- Reporters blocked
- CNN, Politico and MS NOW
- Credentials revoked
- September 19
- Credentials restored
- September 24
- Judge
- US District Judge Timothy Kelly
Sources
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