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U.S. television networks launched an extraordinary revolt Monday, effectively boycotting coverage of President Donald Trump in protest of his decision to ban three leading outlets from the White House.
CNN, MS NOW, and Politico took legal action after Donald Trump barred them from an event on Friday, marking an escalation in the 80-year-old Republican's long-running feud with the U.S. media.
As a result of the standoff, Trump's opening of his cherished new White House helipad and his trip to the United Nations General Assembly went ahead without live television coverage.
In a rare move, the top five U.S. broadcasters announced Monday they were halting "pool" coverage of the White House, where one broadcaster films on behalf of all television outlets for the day, in solidarity with CNN.
CNN was scheduled to serve as the White House TV pool on Monday.
"The public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about its government. No administration should restrict a news organization because it objects to its reporting," ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox and NBC said in a statement.
The result marks an almost unprecedented test of wills between the Trump administration and the press, unfolding during a critical week as Chinese President Xi Jinping visits the White House.
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