David Ellison, a Paramount Skydance executive slated to own CNN, attends the White House state dinner with President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping while CNN reporters are barred from the event. Reports also say other outlets—including CNN and MSNBC’s “MS NOW”—are denied access to cover Xi’s arrival and the dinner itself.
The situation follows a Wednesday court order that gives CNN and Politico access to the White House, including coverage related to Xi’s arrival. Both outlets reported being excluded despite the ruling, and they notify the court. A White House court filing says access is restored to the outlets as of late morning; however, coverage reports indicate they are not allowed on the premises until around midday.
Both sources describe Trump’s continued disputes over the access order, including a later decision to bar CNN again during the evening. Deadline frames the attendance and restrictions as part of the developing arrangement around Paramount’s planned merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, while also noting that multiple tech and media figures are present. The New Republic adds commentary on the timing and implications for press access and media ownership, without disputing the core account of the dinner and the access limits.
