Brief

Australian Embassy Hosts Tennis Match Between Trump Loyalists and CNN Reporters

During the 2026 Kangaroo Cup, Trump loyalists faced CNN journalists on the embassy’s grass court, a symbolic moment amid ongoing press‑access conflicts.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 28 Sep 2026 09:36:21 GMT

On Sunday, the Australian embassy in Washington hosted the annual Kangaroo Cup tennis tournament, turning the ambassador’s residence into a stage for a rare face‑to‑face between Trump administration staff and CNN reporters. The event, organised by Australian ambassador Greg Moriarty, saw White House press secretary Olivia Wales and other loyalists compete against CNN’s David Chalian, Manu Raju and other network reporters.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the match took place on the embassy’s only grass court in Washington, DC. The tournament was described as a “make‑up session” amid the most significant feud between Donald Trump and the media this presidential term. The competition ended with the administration’s team, led by White House adviser Colin Gramley and JD Vance staffer Michelle Martinkov, winning the cup.

While the match was a light‑hearted event, it occurred against a backdrop of heightened media‑access tensions. Earlier this week, the White House had barred CNN from flying on Air Force One for a Tennessee trip, a move that was later reversed by a federal judge. The ban and subsequent court ruling were highlighted in Felo News coverage on September 26, which noted the administration’s broader strategy of limiting mainstream and foreign media coverage.

Despite the ban, CNN was allowed to cover the Kangaroo Cup, and its reporters were present in the stands. CNN’s Washington bureau chief David Chalian remarked that “it’s always a good thing when a free and independent press can get across from members of the administration and sort out their differences.” The comment underscored the symbolic nature of the event, which took place amid a broader dispute over press freedom.

The tournament also featured other administration figures, including deputy national security adviser Mike Needham’s wife Rachel Holt, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s aide James Bacon, and counter‑terrorism coordinator Greg LoGerfo. The event was attended by several White House staffers and was photographed with a “Make America Great Again” cap worn by Gramley.

Key facts

The Kangaroo Cup was held at the Australian embassy’s grass court in Washington, DC (smh.com.au)
Trump loyalists, including Olivia Wales, played against CNN reporters such as David Chalian and Manu Raju (smh.com.au)
The administration’s team won the tournament, with Colin Gramley and Michelle Martinkov as key players (smh.com.au)
CNN was allowed to cover the event despite a recent ban on the network for a Tennessee trip (smh.com.au)
The event occurred amid a broader dispute over media access, highlighted by a court ruling that restored CNN’s White House credentials (smh.com.au)

Background

Felo News previously reported on the Trump administration’s tightening of media access, including a ban on CNN from Air Force One and a court‑ordered restoration of credentials. The Kangaroo Cup represents a rare moment of interaction between the administration and mainstream media during this period.

Timeline

2026-09-26 — White House excludes CNN from Air Force One for Tennessee trip
2026-09-27 — Judge restores CNN, MS NOW, Politico access to White House grounds
2026-09-28 — Kangaroo Cup tennis match between Trump loyalists and CNN reporters

Why it matters

The match illustrates a fleeting moment of cooperation between the Trump administration and mainstream media amid a broader conflict over press freedom and access.