Justice Department Opens Antitrust Inquiry Into Five TV Networks Over Trump Pool Coverage
The Justice Department investigation TV networks Trump pool coverage has become the latest flashpoint in a widening conflict between the White House and the press corps. Civil investigative demands were sent Friday to five television networks, according to a Justice Department spokeswoman, as part of an antitrust inquiry into whether the networks violated the Sherman Act when they temporarily declined to participate in the White House television pool.
What the Antitrust Division Is Examining
Emily Covington, a Justice Department spokeswoman, said the Antitrust Division is investigating a possible pool boycott. She noted that group boycotts among competitors can violate the Sherman Act. The demands seek information from the five networks in the pool: NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN and Fox News. The New York Times first reported the investigation.
The inquiry follows a brief period when the networks stepped back from pool duties after CNN was removed from the rotation. The pool is a rotating group that shares presidential coverage responsibilities and distributes video and audio to other outlets, including Newsmax, One America News Network, C-SPAN and international subscribers. The system has been recognized by both parties for decades.
How the Dispute Escalated
Last month, President Donald Trump barred CNN, MS Now and Politico from White House grounds. In response, the networks briefly declined pool duties. CNN, MS Now and Politico then sued over the ban, citing the First Amendment. A judge temporarily restored access for 14 days, and this week extended that order to Tuesday.
During the pool decline, individual networks continued covering open White House events. The five networks issued a joint statement defending the public interest in accurate independent information and asserting that no administration should restrict a news organization over its reporting.
Reactions and Open Questions
Bruce D. Brown, president of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, said the First Amendment protects coverage decisions and described the investigation as an intimidation attempt.
ABC News said it has not received notification but expects to. NBC, CBS and CNN declined to comment. Fox did not immediately respond, and the White House did not immediately respond.
Whether the networks will be formally charged remains unknown, as does the outcome of the investigation and the full details of the civil investigative demands. It is also unclear whether other networks will receive demands.
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