DOJ probes TV networks over suspension of White House press pool

Justice Department spokesperson Emily Covington said the probe will examine whether the networks' boycott violates the Sherman Act.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 11 Oct 2026 09:52:29 GMT

The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Saturday that it is investigating five major television networks for a possible antitrust violation after they temporarily suspended the White House television press pool.

What happened

In late September, President Donald Trump barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, prompting the five‑broadcaster pool—ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News—to halt joint coverage of presidential events. The pause lasted a few days before a federal judge restored the three outlets' credentials, though the pool has not returned to its prior level of shared coverage.

What the reports add

Reuters‑style reporting from the Hollywood Reporter notes that the Justice Department reached out to the networks on Friday, demanding communications related to the suspension decision. The Guardian adds that messages were sent to the five outlets seeking comment. NBC News reports that the department issued “civil investigative demands” to the broadcasters. Al Jazeera confirms the investigation focuses on whether the boycott could breach the Sherman Act. CBS News provides the longest description of the legal context, explaining that the Sherman Act seeks to prevent monopolistic behavior among commercial competitors.

What was said

Justice Department spokeswoman Emily Covington said, “Members of the television press pool have boycotted covering White House events. Group boycotts among commercial competitors can violate the Sherman Act. The Antitrust Division is simply investigating to determine whether these news organizations have violated the antitrust laws,” as reported by all five outlets.

How it came about

The suspension of the press pool follows the Trump administration’s decision in September to revoke credentials for CNN, Politico and MS NOW, a move that sparked a nationwide boycott by the TV press pool, as detailed in Felo’s earlier coverage US TV Networks Suspend White House Coverage Over Trump’s CNN Ban. That article described the legal challenge filed by the banned outlets and the broader debate over press freedom. Subsequent Felo pieces examined the administration’s broader media strategy and the symbolic “indoor pool” comment, illustrating the escalating conflict between the White House and mainstream news organizations.

Key facts

The DOJ opened an antitrust investigation into ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News over the suspension of the White House press pool. (hollywoodreporter.com)
Emily Covington said the investigation will determine whether the networks' boycott violates the Sherman Act. (theguardian.com)
The suspension followed President Trump's revocation of credentials for CNN, MS NOW and Politico in late September. (aljazeera.com)