White House launches 24/7 ‘Trump TV’ after networks pull pooled coverage
The White House has launched a 24-hour YouTube stream featuring President Donald Trump's speeches, videos and “best moments,” as major US television networks refuse to provide pooled coverage of some presidential events following the administration's ban on CNN.
The stream, called TRUMP TV: The Essentials Station, is running on the White House's official YouTube channel.
A promotional video for the stream features clips from popular TV shows and cartoons, including The Simpsons, SpongeBob SquarePants, The Office and Breaking Bad.
The launch comes amid a dispute between the White House and major US news organizations over access to the president.
The Trump administration barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House after accusing them of publishing “fake news.” CNN, MS NOW and Politico have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the restrictions.
CNN was scheduled to provide the White House television pool crew on Sept. 21. After the administration prevented the network from fulfilling that role, ABC, CBS, Fox News and NBC declined to replace it.
The television pool normally provides independent footage of presidential events to other broadcasters and news organizations.
The consequences became apparent during Trump's first event without the TV pool, a White House helipad ceremony. The White House provided its own livestream, but Trump's remarks were largely inaudible over the noise of a helicopter.
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