Trump administration blocks CNN from Air Force One amid ongoing press dispute

The White House has blocked CNN from travelling aboard Air Force One for US President Donald Trump’s Saturday trip to Tennessee, escalating its dispute with the news media.

CNN had been scheduled to travel with Trump to a college football game as part of its White House television press pool duties. However, the network was left off guidance sent to the press corps about Saturday’s schedule.

The move comes days after Federal Judge Timothy Kelly ordered the Trump administration to restore White House access to CNN, MS NOW and Politico.

Trump revoked access for the three outlets last week, accusing them of unfavourable coverage.

“Media Outlets shouldn’t be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The ban prompted major television networks to suspend normal White House pool coverage in solidarity before resuming operations on Friday after the outlets regained access.

CNN, MS NOW and Politico have sued the administration, arguing the restrictions violate the First Amendment.

In a joint statement earlier this week, the White House television pool said: “The public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about its government. No administration should restrict a news organization because it objects to its reporting.”