DOJ launches antitrust probe of major TV networks over Trump‑era press pool boycott

The investigation examines whether the networks’ suspension of the White House television press pool breaches federal antitrust law.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 11 Oct 2026 06:26:02 GMT

The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Saturday that it is probing five major television news outlets over their decision to suspend the White House television press pool after President Donald Trump revoked the credentials of CNN, MS NOW and Politico.

What happened

Following the White House’s removal of press credentials for CNN, MS NOW and Politico in late September, the five national broadcasters—ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News—halted their joint live coverage of presidential events. The Justice Department said it is investigating whether that coordinated boycott violates the Sherman Act, the nation’s core antitrust statute.

What the reports add

Al Jazeera identified the networks under investigation as ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News and quoted Justice Department spokesperson Emily Covington saying, “Group boycotts among commercial competitors can violate the Sherman Act.”
The Hollywood Reporter noted that a DOJ spokeswoman made the same statement and added that the agency had reached out to the networks on Friday for communications related to the suspension.
Variety reported that the DOJ informed the networks on Friday and that the department’s statement was given to the New York Times. It also mentioned that the networks declined to comment.

What was said

Emily Covington, a Justice Department spokeswoman, told reporters, “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.” (Al Jazeera; Hollywood Reporter; Variety)

How it came about

The dispute traces back to President Trump’s decision on September 21 to bar CNN, Politico and MS NOW from the White House after expressing frustration with their coverage. The move prompted the five TV networks to suspend their shared pool, effectively ending live audio of presidential events while print and radio coverage continued. A federal judge later restored the three outlets’ access, but the networks have not resumed the joint pool. Felo’s earlier report on the suspension (US TV Networks Suspend White House Coverage Over Trump’s CNN Ban) provides the full background.

Key facts

The DOJ opened an antitrust investigation into ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News. (aljazeera.com)
The probe focuses on the networks’ decision to suspend the White House television press pool after Trump revoked credentials for CNN, MS NOW and Politico. (variety.com)
Justice Department spokeswoman Emily Covington said group boycotts can violate the Sherman Act. (hollywoodreporter.com)

Where accounts differ

Spokesperson’s last name spelling: Emily Convington (aljazeera.com); Emily Covington (hollywoodreporter.com); Emily Covington (variety.com)
List of networks explicitly named: ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News (aljazeera.com); the television networks that comprise the primary White House television press pool (no list) (hollywoodreporter.com); ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News (variety.com)

Timeline

2026-09-21 — President Trump revokes White House press credentials for CNN, Politico and MS NOW.
2026-10-10 — Justice Department informs five TV networks of the antitrust probe.
2026-10-11 — DOJ publicly announces investigation into the networks.