DoJ Seeks to Uncover Antitrust Claims as Networks Suspend Trump Coverage

Sun Oct 11 2026 10:06:38 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

DOJ probes five major networks for antitrust violations after they paused Trump coverage following his ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico.

The U.S. Justice Department has opened an antitrust investigation into ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News, alleging that their collective boycott of the White House press pool during a brief Trump‑driven ban on specific news outlets could violate the Sherman Act. The networks halted coverage last month after the Trump administration revoked credentials for CNN, MS NOW and Politico. A federal judge later restored the outlets’ access, citing First Amendment protections, but the DOJ now seeks evidence of coordinated market‑shaping. This probes whether the boycott limited competition for journalistic access and benefits. The case underscores the fragile relationship between the executive branch and the media.

The U.S. Justice Department (DoJ) has announced a formal investigation into five major television networks, alleging potential violations of federal antitrust laws following their decision to pause coverage of President Donald Trump.

Last month, ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News suspended live coverage of White House events after Trump withdrew credentials for reporters from CNN, MS NOW and Politico, compelling the networks to halt their participation in the press pool for several days.

The DoJ’s Antitrust Division requested that the networks provide communications regarding the pool boycott, arguing that the coordinated withdrawal could constitute a breach of the Sherman Act by restricting competition among media outlets for access to presidential appearances.

Pool members typically share their material across the broader media landscape, raising concerns that the boycott may limit the flow of information to the public.

A spokesperson for the Justice Department said, “The Antitrust Division is simply investigating to determine whether these news organisations have violated the antitrust laws.”

Trump’s restrictions were later overturned by a judge who cited the First Amendment’s protection against government censorship of the press, and the White House reinstated full access for the affected broadcasters and journalists once the lawsuit was filed.

The DOJ’s probe follows a series of legal disputes between the Trump administration and media outlets, including ongoing litigation over the White House’s control of the press pool and a separate lawsuit filed by the Associated Press over the use of its terminology on the air.