From The Boston Globe · · 1m 40s
Trump Blocks Reporters From Air Force One
Trump bars CNN and Politico from Air Force One pool assignments after court order.
In brief
Trump bars CNN and Politico from Air Force One pool assignments after court order. President Trump barred CNN and Politico from Air Force One pool assignments despite a federal court order allowing them access to White House grounds. Originally reported by The Boston Globe.
Trump blocks three news outlets
President Trump tried to block reporters from CNN, MS NOW and Politico after finding their coverage too negative.
Initial access ban
Journalists from the three outlets couldn't enter the White House complex but were allowed back after suing the administration.
Air Force One restrictions
Trump barred CNN from traveling with him on Air Force One and later blocked a Politico journalist from a scheduled trip.
Legal disputes over access
Multiple lawsuits in federal court challenge the president's authority to control press detail and pool assignments.
Hard pass system
Over 1,200 journalists hold 'hard passes' that require Secret Service background checks and grant access to White House facilities.
First Amendment protections
Courts have ruled that the First Amendment protects journalists from arbitrary exclusion from sources of information and requires due process for revoking hard passes.
Trump's pool control
The White House took control of pool assignments in February 2025, allowing Trump to block CNN and Politico from their rotations.
Pool assignments impact
CNN was barred from pool duty twice in October 2026 while Trump traveled to Tennessee and Texas.
Other outlets affected
The Associated Press was removed from pool assignments over their use of 'Gulf of America' instead of 'Gulf of Mexico'.
Network response
Major TV networks suspended pool coverage of Trump after the ban, with CNN's slot left unfilled if removed.
The takeaway
President Trump barred CNN and Politico from Air Force One pool assignments despite a federal court order allowing them access to White House grounds.
