DOJ Investigates Networks Over Trump Pool Coverage

The Justice Department has launched an investigation into TV networks over their decision to temporarily halt pool coverage of President Trump, reports the New York Times. DOJ spokesperson Emily Covington confirmed that an antitrust probe into Fox News, CNN, ABC, CBS, and NBC is underway, per the Washington Post. The networks have been ordered to turn over communications and records about their White House pool arrangement, a long-running system in which one network's feed is shared with others.

"Group boycotts among commercial competitors can violate the Sherman Act," said Covington, referring to the antitrust law. The probe centers on the brief period last month when the networks collectively halted pooled footage after Trump blocked CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from White House access because he deemed their coverage too negative. The inquiry adds to mounting clashes between the Trump administration and major media outlets over access and newsroom independence.