White House blocks CNN from boarding Air Force One with Trump

The White House did not allow CNN journalists on board the presidential Air Force One plane during the trip of American leader Donald Trump to Tennessee. The Washington Post reports, citing two sources.

CNN was to accompany Trump on a trip to Tennessee as part of the White House television pool. Journalists of the TV channel had to cover the visit of the President and transfer the collected materials to other TV channels.

The White House decision was a new constraint for CNN following the Trump administration's recent conflict with the network.

On September 18, Trump denied access to the White House to journalists CNN, MS NOW (formerly MSNBC) and Politico. “I am proud to announce that with immediate effect, I am banning CNN, MSNOW and Politico from accessing the White House because of their constant ‘covering’ of Fake News!”.

The White House chief said media organizations should not be able to “constantly write or report FINANCIAL AND FALSE” when covering the President and the Trump administration.

The newspaper later filed a lawsuit against the president and three senior officials in his administration. Federal Judge Tim Kelly ordered the administration to restore access for CNN, MS NOW (formerly MSNBC) and Politico journalists to the White House, considering the ban likely unconstitutional.