Justice Department probes TV networks' press pool suspension for antitrust violations
The Justice Department is reviewing whether major broadcast networks broke antitrust rules by halting the White House press pool after President Trump barred three outlets from the White House.
The U.S. Justice Department has opened an inquiry into whether the five major television networks violated the Sherman Act by briefly suspending the White House press pool following President Trump's decision to revoke credentials for CNN, MSNOW and Politico.
Justice Department spokesperson Emily Covington said the agency is examining whether the coordinated boycott among commercial competitors could constitute an illegal group boycott under antitrust law.
The suspension was announced after the administration accused the three outlets of publishing "fake news" and claimed their reporting threatened national security. The networks said the public deserves accurate, independent information and that no administration should exclude a news organization for its reporting.
CNN, MSNOW and Politico sued to regain access, and a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order that restored their credentials, though the White House continues to limit their access to certain presidential venues. The judge has extended the order while the case proceeds.
The investigation follows reporting by The New York Times and comes as the networks' parent companies, including the recently merged Skydance entity, face scrutiny over the coordinated action.