The decision came after the White House prevented CNN from carrying out its scheduled role as the pool representative on Monday.
In a joint statement, the networks said the public has an important interest in receiving accurate and independent information about the government. They also said that news organizations should not be restricted because of disagreements over their reporting.
The move followed the announcement by CNN, MS NOW and Politico that they would file a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The three organizations argue that the White House decision violates their First Amendment rights and improperly restricts press access.
The outlets said their journalists’ White House credentials were revoked without notice or a formal process and argued that the restrictions were connected to the administration’s objections to their reporting.
President Trump has defended the decision, saying the White House is not attacking the free press but is targeting what he describes as « fake news. »
The legal dispute is now before the federal courts, while the suspension of the television pool has created a change in how video coverage of presidential events is distributed.
The situation remains developing as the courts consider the case and the White House and news organizations continue to respond.
