White House launches 24/7 ‘TRUMP TV’ after major networks halt press pool coverage following ban

WASHINGTON, DC: The White House on Monday, September 21, launched “TRUMP TV: The Essentials Station,” a 24/7 digital video stream featuring President Donald Trump’s remarks, administration announcements, and other White House footage.

The launch came right after Trump barred CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House, and the remaining television pool networks suspended coverage of presidential events. The White House promoted the new service as a centralized source for its “biggest moments,” with videos updated in real time.

White House launches 24/7 'TRUMP TV: The Essentials Station'

The White House launched the new service on its YouTube channel at 7 pm ET Monday, describing it as “TRUMP TV: The Essentials Station.” The White House, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), said that the platform would bring together the administration’s “biggest moments” and provide “top videos, major remarks, and must-see highlights streaming 24/7 and updated in real time.”

The White House also released a one-minute promotional video featuring edited clips from American television shows depicting friends, families, and others rushing to gather around to watch “TRUMP TV.” The administration’s video library separately listed the new station alongside presidential remarks and other official videos.

TV pool halts coverage as outlets sue Trump administration

Trump's decision to ban CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House has disrupted the White House television press pool, a rotating arrangement through which major broadcasters share video coverage of presidential events.

CNN had been scheduled to provide the pool feed for Monday’s events, but after the White House barred CNN from the assignment, ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox News declined to replace it. The five broadcasters subsequently announced that they would suspend their participation in presidential television pool coverage.

That decision affected Trump’s appearance on Monday, at the unveiling of the new White House helipad. As the event was not covered by the television pool and Trump was not near a network microphone, much of his remarks were difficult to hear on the White House’s own feed, with background noise overwhelming portions of the audio.

CNN, MS NOW and Politico filed a lawsuit in federal court in Washington, arguing that the administration’s decision to revoke their access violated their First Amendment rights. The organizations said their action was intended to defend the principle that the government should not determine what the press reports or publishes.

“This morning, we notified the government that we are filing a lawsuit today to protect our First Amendment rights and defend the principle that the government does not decide what the press reports or publishes,” the outlets said in a joint statement.

The case was assigned to US District Judge Timothy Kelly, who was appointed by Trump during his first term. Kelly previously handled CNN reporter Jim Acosta’s legal challenge after the White House revoked Acosta’s press access in 2018. A hearing on the outlets’ request to restore their access is scheduled for this Wednesday, September 23.

Democratic lawmakers criticise Trump’s 'state-run media'

Democratic lawmakers immediately criticised the launch. California Governor Gavin Newsom in a post on X wrote that “the President of the United States of America blocked access to the free press and launched state-run media. This is authoritarianism in action.”

Newsom stressed, "We can end his [Trump's] unchecked power when we take back Congress this November. VOTE.”

Senator Mark Kelly also, in a post on X, wrote that “State run media, state owned enterprises, prosecuting political opponents, gifts from foreign countries, selling pardons, massive amounts of money flowing into the President’s bank account, and banners with his head plastered on government buildings. NONE OF THIS IS NORMAL.”