US networks halt Trump coverage over White House ban

"The public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about its government," ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox and NBC said in a statement.

The White House on Sep 19, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo: Getty Images via AFP/Graeme Sloan)

US television networks staged an extraordinary revolt on Monday (Sep 21) when they effectively boycotted coverage of President Donald Trump in protest at his decision to ban three leading outlets from the White House.

CNN, MS NOW and Politico also went to court after Trump on Friday ordered them to be barred, as the 80-year-old Republican stepped up his years-long assault on the US media.

As a result of the row, Trump's opening of his cherished new White House helipad and his trip to the United Nations General Assembly proceeded without live television coverage.