NEW: DOJ Now Investigating White House TV Pool Networks for Antitrust Violations After Attempted Boycott of Coverage White House

The Department of Justice is investigating major TV networks in the White House press pool for potential violations of the Sherman Antitrust Act, focusing on anticompetitive practices. This investigation stems from a boycott of President Trump’s coverage by several networks, which the DOJ suggests may have violated antitrust laws prohibiting conspiracies to monopolize trade. The inquiry follows a pattern of the Trump administration using government levers against perceived media foes and involves demands for communications and materials related to the White House TV pool.

• The Department of Justice has opened an investigation into major TV networks in the White House press pool.
• The investigation concerns potential violations of the Sherman Antitrust Act, which prohibits anticompetitive business practices.
• The White House Correspondents’ Association has faced criticism for a monopoly on White House coverage.
• CNN has been replaced by Real America’s Voice in the White House television pool multiple times.
• Trump has blocked CNN’s access to Air Force One, leading to lawsuits and temporary restraining orders regarding White House access.
• Major networks initially boycotted coverage but resumed on condition of mainstream network pool feeds, refusing coverage when Real America’s Voice is in the pool.
• The DOJ stated that group boycotts among commercial competitors can violate the Sherman Act.
• The Justice Department is demanding communications and materials related to the White House TV pool from the networks.
• The inquiry is seen as an escalation of the Trump administration’s conflicts with the press corps.