Trump’s Tennessee Football Trip Leaves CNN Off Air Force One
During a trip to a Tennessee college football game, President Trump left CNN off Air Force One, a move that added to ongoing tensions over media access. The visit also raised concerns about communication disruptions for teams, as the Secret Service’s presence could cut headset signals. The incident…
By Felo News Desk · Published
On Saturday, President Donald Trump flew to Knoxville, Tennessee, to watch the University of Tennessee Volunteers take on the Texas Longhorns. While the flight was a routine presidential trip, it became a flashpoint for media access disputes when the White House omitted CNN from the Air Force One crew, a decision that added to a series of restrictions on the press during the Trump administration.
Air Force One and the TV Pool Conflict
The White House’s guidance issued Friday night listed Real America’s Voice, a conservative outlet, as the sole media partner for the flight. CNN, a member of the U.S. network video pool that rotates duties shooting and sharing video coverage of the president, had expected a spot on the plane. The pool, which includes the five major broadcast networks, has historically ensured that a rotating roster of reporters accompanies the president, providing a broad view of his activities to the public.
After a federal judge temporarily struck down a ban that had prevented CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from attending White House events, the White House’s decision to exclude CNN from the flight was seen as a separate, more targeted restriction. The judge’s ruling addressed “hard passes” to the White House grounds but did not directly address pool duties or Air Force One assignments. The omission meant that the spot traditionally reserved for a pool member was left vacant, a move that the network and its attorneys described as a clear violation of the established protocol.
Impact on the Game and Team Communications
Trump’s arrival in Knoxville was timed to coincide with the noon kickoff of the SEC matchup. The president landed at 11:28 a.m. ET, giving him a few minutes to settle before the game began. The presence of the president and the Secret Service’s heightened security measures raised concerns among coaches and players about potential disruptions to headset communications.
Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian warned that the teams would lose all head‑set communication whenever the president entered, left, or moved within the stadium. “They cut the headsets to coaches. They cut headsets for coach‑to‑player communication,” he said. “You have to have a plan for that, if and when he comes in the middle of the first quarter, leaves in the fourth quarter or decides he’s got to use the restroom.” These disruptions could affect play calling and in‑game strategy, echoing incidents from previous games where the president’s movements caused brief communication blackouts.
Historical Context of Presidential Football Visits
President Trump has attended more college football games than any recent sitting president. His visits have spanned national championship games, regular‑season contests in the SEC, and even the NBA Finals and the Daytona 500. The most recent example of a potential communication issue came at the College Football Playoff championship in January, where the president’s departure was said to have briefly cut off headset signals for the Miami Hurricanes. While the White House denied that the president’s movements caused any disruptions, coaches from both teams reported brief periods of silence during critical moments.
White House Response and Ongoing Disputes
Following the flight, the White House posted on X that Trump’s departure from the CFP championship had caused no problems for the teams, a statement that ran counter to the accounts of the coaches involved. The administration’s stance on media access has been increasingly restrictive, with Trump previously banning the Associated Press from White House events and taking legal action against outlets that he deemed unfavorable.
In the wake of the Air Force One decision, CNN declined to comment, while the network’s media analyst Brian Stelter noted that the White House had approved the network’s credentials for a prior National Archives event. The situation highlights a broader pattern of tension between the administration and the press, raising questions about the future of the TV pool and the transparency of presidential activities.
What Happens Next?
As the dispute over media access continues, the legal and political ramifications remain unclear. The judge’s temporary ruling may prompt further court action, and the White House could face additional scrutiny from Congress and the media. Meanwhile, teams and coaches will need to adapt to the possibility of future disruptions, ensuring contingency plans are in place for any presidential visit that could affect headset communications.
For now, the incident stands as a reminder of the delicate balance between presidential security, media freedom, and the practical realities of live sporting events.
Key facts
- Trump left CNN off Air Force One during a Tennessee football trip
- White House guidance replaced the TV pool spot with a conservative outlet
- Coaches warned of headset communication cuts during presidential presence
- The incident adds to ongoing media access disputes under the Trump administration
- Teams must plan for potential disruptions during future presidential visits
Why it matters
The exclusion of a major news network from Air Force One underscores the administration’s tightening grip on media coverage, while the potential communication disruptions highlight how presidential security can impact live sporting events.
Frequently asked questions
Why was CNN left off Air Force One?
The White House guidance issued Friday night listed Real America’s Voice as the sole media partner for the flight, replacing the traditional TV pool spot that CNN typically occupies.
Did the president’s visit affect game communications?
Coaches reported that headset communications could be cut when the president entered, left, or moved within the stadium, potentially disrupting play calling.
What is the TV pool?
The TV pool is a rotating roster of major broadcast networks that provides live video coverage of the president, ensuring a broad view of his activities to the public.
Has the White House faced legal action over media bans?
Yes, a federal judge temporarily struck down a ban that had prevented CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from attending White House events, though the ruling did not address Air Force One assignments.
