The White House plans to prevent CNN from providing syndicated coverage during President Trump’s trip to Texas and Oklahoma, a source told The Hill on Thursday. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment from news outlets, and CNN was not listed as a television outlet covering the president.
CNN, MS NOW and Politico are seeking court action to reinstate their status, accusing the administration of “unpredictably and inconsistently enforcing its ban” despite a judge’s restraining order, which includes barring CNN from participating in collective White House duties.
The White House canceled CNN’s coverage of President Donald Trump’s trip aboard Air Force One to Saturday’s college football game between Tennessee and Texas.
CNN senior correspondent Betsy Klein (left) works in the CNN offices after being allowed to return to the White House in Washington, DC, on September 24, 2026. (Andrew Harnick/Getty Images)
CNN spokesperson Emily Kuhn confirmed the news to NBC News but did not provide further comment. The network earlier said its removal was a “flagrant violation of the First Amendment and due process.”
CNN lawyers updated the filing on Tuesday, reinstating joint reporting, saying the White House was “unpredictably and inconsistently” releasing access to the president and coverage of his day-to-day activities. According to The Hill, irreparable damage was caused to the store in the process.
The Trump administration has until Friday, October 2, to respond to this week’s filing.
Follow Matt Mercer on X: @Matt Mercer.