Days after barring reporters from three major news outlets from the White House, the Trump administration has launched a 24/7 YouTube channel, while the Department of Justice defends the ban as a matter of privilege and national security.
Key facts
- The White House launched a 24/7 YouTube channel promising to put its 'biggest moments all in one place,' according to NPR.
- The channel arrived days after President Trump barred reporters from three major news outlets, according to NPR.
- The banned outlets are MS NOW, CNN and Politico, according to CNBC.
- The Department of Justice argued White House access is a 'privilege — not a right,' according to CNBC.
- The DOJ said Trump was motivated by national security concerns in imposing the ban, according to CNBC.
The White House has launched a 24/7 YouTube channel, described by NPR as an effort to put the administration’s “biggest moments all in one place.” The move comes days after President Trump barred reporters from three major news outlets from the White House, according to NPR.
According to NPR, the new channel operates around the clock and is intended to centralise footage of the administration’s key moments in one location. NPR noted the launch has drawn attention because of its timing, arriving soon after the reporter ban.
The three outlets affected by the ban are MS NOW, CNN and Politico, according to CNBC. The decision to remove their reporters from the White House has prompted a legal defence from the administration.
The Department of Justice defended the ban, arguing that access to the White House is a “privilege — not a right,” as reported by CNBC. The DOJ also argued that President Trump was motivated by national security concerns in banning the three outlets, according to CNBC.
The sources provided do not include responses from the three affected outlets or from press-freedom organisations, and the specific national security concerns cited by the DOJ are not detailed. Further details of the legal proceedings were not available.
Frequently asked questions
Which news outlets were banned from the White House?
According to CNBC, the three outlets barred from the White House are MS NOW, CNN and Politico.
What reason did the DOJ give for the ban?
The Department of Justice argued that White House access is a 'privilege — not a right' and said President Trump was motivated by national security concerns, according to CNBC.
What is the new White House channel?
According to NPR, the White House launched a 24/7 YouTube channel promising to put the administration's 'biggest moments all in one place.'