The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating whether major television networks violated federal antitrust law by temporarily suspending participation in the White House press pool for President Donald Trump’s appearances. Multiple outlets report the probe focuses on a decision by networks to stop providing pooled coverage after the White House barred certain news organizations from access.
According to reporting, the networks under scrutiny include Fox News, CNN, ABC, CBS and NBC. The outlets say the investigation centers on possible violations of the Sherman Act, with DOJ officials indicating that certain coordinated “boycotts” among competitors could raise antitrust concerns. The BBC and other sources also note that the White House blocked access for CNN, MS Now and Politico, which contributed to the networks’ decision to restrict pool coverage. Other coverage frames the move as an escalation in the administration’s use of government powers affecting press access, while DOJ’s stated focus remains on whether the networks’ actions complied with antitrust rules.
