# Justice Department probes TV networks over Trump pool boycott

> The DoJ is investigating whether five major networks violated antitrust law by suspending coverage of Donald Trump after the White House revoked credentials from three outlets.
- Title: Justice Department probes TV networks over Trump pool boycott
- Summary: The DoJ is investigating whether five major networks violated antitrust law by suspending coverage of Donald Trump after the White House revoked credentials…
- Keywords: department of justice, antitrust investigation, television networks, donald trump, press freedom, white house pool coverage, sherman act, news, world, Justice, Department, probes
- Source: BBC News — https://bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9vgregzk6gro
- Published: 2026-10-11T00:49:17.198+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: department of justice, antitrust investigation, television networks, donald trump, press freedom, white house pool coverage, sherman act, news, world
## DoJ opens antitrust investigation
The US Department of Justice is investigating ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News over whether they broke federal competition laws by suspending pool coverage of Donald Trump.
## Networks paused coverage in protest
Last month, five networks suspended presidential coverage for several days after the Trump administration withdrew credentials from CNN, MS Now and Politico, citing the outlets' reporting.
## Sherman Act violation alleged
The DoJ said the boycott could violate the Sherman Act, a law that bars companies from engaging in monopolistic business practices. Pool members usually share material with wider media.

> The Antitrust Division is simply investigating to determine whether these news organisations have violated the antitrust laws.
## Credentials restored after court ruling
The White House later reinstated access for CNN, MS Now and Politico following a judge's ruling. The three outlets had sued the Trump administration, arguing restricted access violated their First Amendment rights.
## Key takeaway

The US Department of Justice is investigating ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News for potentially breaking federal competition laws by pausing Trump coverage in protest at credential revocations.