US Justice Department Investigates TV Networks Over Trump Pool Coverage

The US Justice Department (DoJ) is investigating several television networks to determine if they violated federal competition laws by suspending pool coverage of President Donald Trump. This investigation follows a decision by five networks to pause their presidential coverage for several days after the Trump administration revoked the credentials of reporters from CNN, MS Now, and Politico. The DoJ has requested communications related to the pool from ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, and Fox News, indicating that the boycott may breach the Sherman Act, which prohibits monopolistic business practices. A spokesperson for the DoJ stated, "The Antitrust Division is simply investigating to determine whether these news organizations have violated the antitrust laws." The television networks have not yet provided comments on the matter. Last month, Trump barred CNN, MS Now, and Politico from the White House, claiming these organizations produced "fiction or lies" about his administration. Access was later restored following a judge's ruling in favor of the three outlets, which had sued the Trump administration, asserting that the restricted access infringed upon their First Amendment rights. The First Amendment prohibits the government from "abridging" the freedom of the press, a principle that courts have interpreted to prevent discrimination against media based on coverage content. The Trump administration has previously engaged in various legal actions against news organizations, including lawsuits related to coverage of the president. In February, the White House announced it would take control of the press pool that has historically been managed by the White House Correspondents' Association. Additionally, in February, the Trump administration attempted to restrict Associated Press (AP) reporters and photographers from certain areas, such as the Oval Office and Air Force One, due to the outlet's use of the term "Gulf of Mexico" instead of "Gulf of America." AP has filed a lawsuit regarding this matter, which remains ongoing.