From Slate Magazine · Ben Jacobs · · 1m 40s
Trump's Media War Shifts from Strength to Desperation
Trump's attempt to ban CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from White House access follows his political decline, not his usual leverage.
In brief
Trump's attempt to ban CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from White House access follows his political decline, not his usual leverage. Trump's recent ban of CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from White House access stems from low favorability ratings and a desire to avoid questions, not his typical media leverage. Originally…
Trump's Media Leverage
Trump traditionally used his presidential power and ratings magnet status to attack the press.
Leverage in Past Lawsuits
Trump leveraged CBS's pending merger with Skydance to sue over Kamala Harris interview editing.
Leverage in AP Stylebook Fight
Trump demanded the Associated Press adopt 'Gulf of America' for the Gulf of Mexico.
Current Media Ban
Trump banned CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from White House access after his aide showed him problematic coverage.
Legal Backlash
A federal judge ordered CNN back into White House access within days of the ban.
Pool Coverage Blockade
Trump tried to block CNN from White House Television Pool, which includes NBC, CBS, ABC, and Fox News.
Network Solidarity
Other networks refused to provide pool coverage for Trump after his ban of CNN.
Tennessee Football Game Ban
Trump blocked CNN from covering his trip to a football game in Tennessee on Saturday.
Chinese State Visit Coverage
Trump's state visit from Xi Jinping went uncovered due to network solidarity.
Technical Coverage Issues
MAGA YouTubers provided poor audio quality during Trump's helicopter pad unveiling.
Political Consequences
Trump's favorability ratings dropped below post-January sixth levels as Republicans face midterm losses.
Historical Precedent
Trump retreated to a bunker mode after the 2020 election, holding few public events.
The short version
Trump's recent ban of CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from White House access stems from low favorability ratings and a desire to avoid questions, not his typical media leverage.
