On September 21, 2026, leading US networks, including CNN, Fox News, ABC, CBS, and NBC, announced a boycott of US President Donald Trump. This decision was a result of the White House revoking CNN's accreditation and not allowing it to participate in the upcoming pool covering Trump's trip to the UN General Assembly.
Reasons for the Boycott
The boycott by American networks was triggered by the Trump administration's decision to bar CNN from fulfilling its duties in the White House press pool. According to the pool's rules, five major networks take turns covering the president and then share the footage with all media outlets. After CNN was denied access, other networks refused to substitute their cameras, which meant that Trump's trip to the UN General Assembly would lack the usual coverage.
Media Response
In a joint statement, the networks emphasized that society has a vital interest in receiving accurate and independent information about its government. They stressed that no administration should limit a news organization due to disagreement with its reporting. Trump, on the other hand, accused CNN, MS NOW, and Politico of spreading "fake news" and filed a lawsuit against the administration, claiming that his rights to free speech were violated.
Coverage of Trump's Events
Due to the boycott, during the opening of a new helicopter pad at the White House, Trump was left without sound as none of the networks provided a microphone. The event was broadcast by Newsmax, but without audio. Trump commented on the situation, stating that the White House is not attacking the free press but rather the "fake news," which he believes poses a threat to national security.