Donald Trump has responded to what he portrays as a media blackout by launching his own “unfiltered” video channel after barring several news organizations from the White House.
On Friday, Trump excluded MS NOW, Politico and CNN from the White House, labeling the outlets “fake news” and criticizing their coverage of his administration.
The White House unveiled TRUMP TV: The Essential Station on YouTube at 7 p.m. ET on Monday.
The broadcast opened with teaser clips from several classic television shows before switching to footage of a speech Trump delivered at Mount Rushmore in July.
“Welcome to TrumpTV. The press, in some cases, reported inaccurately or not at all on the Administration’s many record breaking accomplishments on behalf of all Americans,” Deputy Assistant to the President Kaelan Dorr wrote on social media.
“Trump TV is a 24/7 livestream of the Administration’s greatest hits, unfiltered. All on the White House YouTube Channel and Official App. ENJOY!!”
The service currently consists of a nonstop YouTube playlist featuring speeches, appearances and other widely circulated clips involving Trump and his administration. No original programming or newly recorded material appeared to be available at launch.
The YouTube description promises viewers access to “the Trump Administration’s biggest moments all in one place,” including major remarks and key videos streaming around the clock and updated in real time.
The White House promoted the launch of “TRUMP TV: The Essential Station” on YouTube at 7 p.m. ET Monday.
MS NOW White House reporter Akayla Gardner, pictured, reported from across the street after being denied entry to the White House.
‘Autocratic’ Press Control
The launch drew sharp criticism from Democrats and other liberals, who accused Trump of trying to shape the news media around his own political interests.
“First, Trump banned independent news from the White House,” California Governor Gavin Newsom wrote on social media.
“Now, he’s launching what is quite literally state-run TV to try drowning out the fact that he and his corrupt administration are failing the American people. This is truly autocratic behavior from a failed President.”
The administration has also continued using its text-message system, giving Trump supporters a direct way to receive updates and send messages to the president.
“This is the official number of President Trump and the White House. We launched this number to stay directly connected with YOU, THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. We’ll share important updates and ways you can get involved,” one message reportedly said.
Dorr said the White House has been sending the alerts since last March, describing them as a way to keep Americans informed.
Trump’s new video network comes as his conflict with media organizations intensifies over reporting critical of his administration.
Over the weekend, journalists from the barred outlets arrived at the White House to work, but some were turned away after their press credentials were revoked.
CNN Senior White House Reporter Betsy Klein, pictured, reported near the White House complex Saturday after Donald Trump revoked her credential.
White House television correspondents prepare for a live broadcast while the CNN booth sits empty on the White House grounds.
Major Networks Boycott Coverage Following White House Ban
The country’s leading broadcasters rallied behind the excluded outlets, issuing a forceful statement condemning the White House decision.
Fox News, CNN, ABC, CBS and NBC—the networks that make up the television pool—agreed not to send reporters or camera crews to cover Trump on Monday.
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As a result, Trump’s Monday trip to New York for the United Nations General Assembly was not expected to receive coverage from the major networks.
Conservative broadcaster Real America’s Voice planned to stream the president’s appearance from the UN, while local television operator Hearst was set to cover events at the White House.
Fox News Washington Bureau Chief Bryan Boughton, who chairs the television pool and oversees the logistics of presidential coverage, confirmed the decision in an email sent Monday morning.
“This is to advise that, effective today, the TV pool will not be covering events designated as pool coverage of the President,” Boughton wrote.
“This follows the White House’s position preventing CNN from fulfilling its assigned pool duties. There will be no replacement pool put in place.”
The broadcasters have not said when they will resume their usual coverage of the president.
Politico White House reporter Cheyenne Haslett also had her White House credential revoked after President Donald Trump banned CNN, MS NOW and Politico.
Targeted Outlets File First Amendment Lawsuit
CNN had been scheduled to provide the television pool crew on Monday, before Trump barred the network along with MS NOW and Politico from the White House.
However, White House guidance distributed Sunday said there would be no television pool on Monday, removing CNN’s scheduled assignment.
Trump has also threatened to target The New York Times and The Washington Post.
“The public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about its government,” the outlets said in a statement. “No administration should restrict a news organization because it objects to its reporting.”
Asked for a response, the White House pointed to a social media statement Trump had posted earlier Monday.
“The White House is not instituting an assault on the Free Press, something which I cherish,” Trump wrote. “It is instituting an assault on the fake news, something that has grown like Cancer in our beloved United States of America.”
“It is corrupt, purposeful, pervasive, fully coordinated, and totally out of control. It is a threat to our National Security, and must be stopped, now!”
Although CNN was barred from the White House, its journalists and production crew continued covering Secretary of State Marco Rubio as he opened the New York Stock Exchange on Monday, indicating that the ban does not apply to other government departments.
CNN, MS NOW and Politico said they would challenge the White House action in court.
“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 organizations said in a statement released Monday.
“Without notice or process, the White House revoked our journalists’ credentials because it objected to our reporting,” the statement continued.
“Left unchallenged, this threatens press freedom and the public’s right to independent journalism free from government interference.”
US District Judge Timothy Kelly, who was appointed by Trump during his first term, is overseeing the case and has previously handled a similar dispute.
In 2018, Kelly ordered the White House to restore the press credentials of CNN correspondent Jim Acosta after they were revoked following a tense exchange between Acosta and Trump.
