# Trump's media gamble backfires spectacularly

> After banning critical outlets, Trump loses TV coverage of his own events.
- Title: Trump's media gamble backfires spectacularly · Mother Jones
- Summary: After banning critical outlets, Trump loses TV coverage of his own events. Restricting press access can undermine the very media attention a politician…
- Keywords: donald trump, press freedom, first amendment, cnn, abc, cbs, nbc, fox news, white house, media ban, politico, ms now
- Source: Mother Jones — https://motherjones.com/politics/2026/09/trumps-desperate-for-tv-cameras-until-they-tell-the-truth
- Author: Alex Nguyen
- Published: 2026-09-21T15:20:15+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: donald trump, press freedom, first amendment, cnn, abc, cbs, nbc, fox news, white house, media ban, politico, ms now
## Trump bans outlets for bad coverage
Trump banned CNN, Politico, and MS NOW from the White House on Friday, claiming they spread fake news. Reporters from all three were denied access on Saturday.

> constant 'reporting' FAKE NEWS!
## Major networks pause all TV coverage
ABC, CBS, Fox News, and NBC announced they would stop televising presidential events in response to the bans. These networks rotate daily to provide coverage to outlets worldwide.

> No administration should restrict a news organization because it objects to its reporting.
## Networks defend press freedom together
ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News, and NBC issued a joint statement saying the public needs accurate information and no administration should restrict outlets for their reporting.

> The public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about its government.
## Banned outlets sue for First Amendment
CNN, Politico, and MS NOW filed a federal lawsuit Monday morning alleging violations of First Amendment free press rights and Fifth Amendment due process.
## Trump loses coverage of major events
CNN was scheduled to cover Trump's trip to the UN General Assembly this week. Without pool coverage, his events like a helipad ribbon-cutting had audio problems and limited media presence.
## Right-wing outlets fill the void
The White House replaced mainstream pool coverage with Hearst and Real America's Voice, a right-wing streaming channel, for upcoming events including a visit from Chinese President Xi.
## Key takeaway

Restricting press access can undermine the very media attention a politician craves.