White House launches 24/7 streaming channel after banning three news outlets

The White House started a 24-hour streaming service named “Trump TV” on Monday evening, according to a post on its official social-media account that announced a live broadcast at 7 p.m. The channel’s website describes it as a place to view the administration’s major moments, top videos and highlights updated in real time.

The launch follows President Donald Trump’s decision to revoke White House credentials for CNN, MSNOW and Politico. The three outlets filed a federal lawsuit seeking to restore their access and to block enforcement of the ban while the case proceeds, arguing that the action infringes on First Amendment free-speech rights and Fifth Amendment due-process protections.

“This ban could not be a more direct assault on the First Amendment,” the filing said.

President Trump defended the ban on his social-media platform, stating that he would not provide access to outlets he considers to publish false reports. He also criticized the judge assigned to the case, U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly.

“Why should I have to give ‘access’ to such people?” he wrote, adding that the Oval Office should be treated with “Decorum, Respect, and Dignity.”

In response, major broadcast networks including ABC, CBS, Fox News and NBC issued a joint statement supporting CNN’s claim to coverage, saying the public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about the government and that no administration should restrict a news organization because of its reporting.