US opens antitrust probe into TV networks for halting Trump coverage
The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating major television networks for potential antitrust violations following their collective decision to halt coverage of President Trump. The boycott was a response to the White House revoking press credentials for several news organizations.
Why it matters
The investigation highlights escalating tensions between the executive branch and the media, raising significant questions regarding press freedom and antitrust law.
Department of Justice says it’s investigating whether the White House press pool’s decision violated antitrust laws.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info US President Donald Trump speaks with media before boarding Marine One as he travels to Grand Island, Nebraska, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on October 5, 2026 [Eric Lee/Reuters] By AP and Reuters Published On 11 Oct 2026 11 Oct 2026 The United States Department of Justice has opened an investigation into television networks’ decision to halt coverage of President Donald Trump last month.
A spokesperson said on Saturday that the department was investigating whether the networks violated federal antitrust laws by their boycott, which followed a White House decision to pull the credentials of reporters from three news organisations, including CNN.
Also covering this story
6 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Justice Department investigates TV networks, citing possible anti-trust violations
US justice department investigating TV networks over Trump pool coverage
US Justice Department probes CNN, Fox News and other networks over White House pool coverage
Justice Department investigating television networks over Trump pool coverage
Justice Department investigating major TV networks over suspending pool coverage of Trump
US justice department investigates TV networks over Trump pool coverage
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