# Trump Blocks Reporters From Air Force One

> Trump bars CNN and Politico from Air Force One pool assignments after court order.
- Title: Trump Blocks Reporters From Air Force One · The Boston Globe
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: president trump, air force one, white house press corps, pool assignments, federal court, cnn, politico, ms now, white house press office, hard pass, news, local
- Source: The Boston Globe — https://bostonglobe.com/2026/10/08/nation/trump-press-lawsuit-air-force-one
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: president trump, air force one, white house press corps, pool assignments, federal court, cnn, politico, ms now, white house press office, hard pass, news, local
## 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.
## Key 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.