# 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.
- Title: Trump's Media War Shifts from Strength to Desperation
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: trump, cnn, ms now, politico, white house, federal communications commission, kamala harris, associated press, gulf of america, gulf of mexico, january sixth, capitol attack
- Source: Slate Magazine — https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2026/09/trump-cnn-msnow-and-politico-underscore-his-weakness.html?via=rss
- Author: Ben Jacobs
- Published: 2026-09-29T09:40:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: trump, cnn, ms now, politico, white house, federal communications commission, kamala harris, associated press, gulf of america, gulf of mexico, january sixth, capitol attack
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.