DOJ says it's investigating whether White House TV pool's coverage halt violated antitrust law

The U.S. Department of Justice is examining whether the White House television press pool’s decision to stop covering President Donald Trump last month broke antitrust law, a department spokesperson confirmed Saturday. Emily Covington, a spokesperson for the DOJ, said that group boycotts among business competitors can run afoul of U.S. law. “The Antitrust Division is simply investigating to determine whether these news organizations have violated the antitrust laws,” Covington said. Her remarks came after the pool of five broadcasters halted presidential coverage following the administration’s move to bar CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House. The White House press pool—a rotating group of outlets that reports on the president—has become a flashpoint in the broader dispute over whether the chief executive can dictate the content of news coverage. Last month’s actions represented an extraordinary escalation in Trump’s effort to sideline reporters and outlets he views as insufficiently supportive. CNN, MS NOW and Politico filed suit over the days‑long ban, which was lifted after a judge granted the three news organizations a reprieve that lasted until Tuesday. Television pool coverage of the White House has since resumed. Jose Zamora, the Committee to Protect Journalists’ regional director for the Americas, criticized the administration’s decision to open an antitrust probe, saying the government should not use such investigations to intimidate news outlets defending press access. Sources: Las Vegas Sun. Read the full story at 8 News Now →