CNN threatens legal action over Air Force One access denial

CNN is considering additional legal action after being repeatedly denied access to cover President Trump's travel on Air Force One, WTOP reported, citing a letter from CNN's attorney Theodore J. Boutrous Jr. to the Justice Department.

The network has been in a legal dispute with the White House since President Trump banned CNN and two other outlets from White House grounds a month ago, calling their reporting "fake news." A federal judge recently granted a preliminary injunction against the ban as the case proceeds.

Despite the injunction, the White House has continued to exclude CNN from the TV pool coverage of Air Force One trips, denying access at least four times, according to Boutrous. He emphasized that Air Force One and the Oval Office belong to all Americans, and CNN serves as a public surrogate in covering the White House.

The TV pool includes five major networks that share video coverage on a rotating basis. Boutrous argued that the White House's selective denial of access constitutes retaliation and discrimination based on content, which violates the First Amendment and due process rights.

The legal battle remains ongoing, with CNN prepared to take further steps if the White House persists in restricting its reporting access.

This dispute directly affects media coverage of the White House in Washington, DC, where the network is headquartered and where the president's travels are closely followed.