Television networks have resumed pool coverage of President Donald Trump's events after CNN and MS NOW were temporarily blocked from covering Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit, according to multiple outlets.
Trump praised the media coverage of the Xi visit as 'fair,' according to Just the News and Just the News quoted him saying 'we appreciate it.' Forbes and NewsNation reported that Trump had complained CNN and MS NOW did not cover what he called the 'made for Television' Xi visit.
The Washington Post reported that senators criticized an invitation extended to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and that ranchers criticized Trump, though the specifics of these criticisms were not detailed in available material.
Late night hosts, including Jimmy Kimmel, discussed the reversal of the media restriction and the Xi visit on their programs, according to The Guardian. Reports also circulated that China was gifting two giant pandas to the United States, per The Guardian's account of the late night coverage.
How each side covered it
Left
- The Washington Post noted the TV pool resumed coverage amid other Trump news items like senators criticizing a Putin invite.
- CNN reported that press access was restored as Trump wrapped up Xi's state visit.
- The Guardian highlighted late-night hosts mocking the White House's reversal of its media ban during the Xi visit.
- The New Republic emphasized that Trump's press ban gave Chinese state media more access than American press, even after a court order restored CNN and MS NOW's access.
“White House TV pool resumes coverage; senators criticize Putin invite; ranchers criticize Trump” — The Washington Post
Center
- South China Morning Post reported networks returned to the White House and quoted Trump calling coverage of the Xi visit 'fair'.
- Forbes detailed that CNN and MS NOW had been blocked from Xi's state dinner before pool coverage resumed.
- NewsNation reported Trump's complaints that CNN and MS NOW failed to cover what he called the 'made for Television' Xi visit.
“Networks Resume Pool Coverage Of Trump Today—After CNN And MS NOW Blocked From Xi's State Dinner” — Forbes
Right
- The Epoch Times reported TV networks resumed coverage of Trump events after previously banned media regained access.
- Just the News quoted Trump praising media for 'fair coverage' of the Xi visit, saying 'We appreciate it'.
- Newsmax, citing CNN, reported that TV networks would resume coverage of Trump events.
“Trump praises media for 'fair coverage' of Xi visit: 'We appreciate it'” — Just the News
Questions readers ask
What happened with CNN and the White House press pool?
CNN and MS NOW were temporarily blocked from covering some of President Donald Trump's events, including Xi Jinping's state visit, before the White House restored pool access for television networks.
Why did Trump praise the media coverage?
According to Just the News, President Trump said the coverage of Xi Jinping's visit was 'fair' and stated 'we appreciate it,' after earlier complaining that CNN and MS NOW had not covered the visit, per Forbes and NewsNation.
What did left-leaning outlets focus on?
Left-leaning outlets emphasized the restoration of press access alongside separate criticism of Trump from senators over a Putin invitation and from ranchers, plus late-night commentary on the media ban reversal.
What did right-leaning outlets focus on?
Right-leaning outlets emphasized Trump's praise for the media's 'fair coverage' of the Xi visit and the resumption of network access to presidential events.
Is this a developing story?
Yes, some details, including the specific criticisms from senators and ranchers mentioned by The Washington Post, were not fully explained across sources.
Sources · 11 outlet reports
- CNNLeft-leaningBehind the Scenes with Kaitlan Collins: Trump welcomes Xi Jinping amid White House press restrictions
- The GuardianLeft-leaningJimmy Kimmel: ‘The only thing more unwelcome in the Oval Office than CNN is a salad’
- The New RepublicLeft-leaningTrump Gives Chinese State Media More Power Than American Media
- The Washington PostLeft-leaningTracking Trump: White House TV pool resumes coverage; senators criticize Putin invite; ranchers criticize Trump; and more
- ForbesCenterNetworks Resume Pool Coverage Of Trump Today—After CNN And MS NOW Blocked From Xi’s State Dinner
- NewsNationCenterTrump complains CNN, MS NOW didn’t cover ‘made for Television’ Xi visit
- South China Morning PostCenterUS TV networks back at White House, as Trump hails ‘fair’ coverage of Xi visit
- Just the NewsRight-leaningTrump praises media for 'fair coverage' of Xi visit: 'We appreciate it'
- NewsmaxRight-leaningCNN: TV Networks to Resume Coverage of Trump Events
- RedStateRight-leaningCNN Quietly Admits They Were Not Denied Access to Trump-Xi Dinner. Here Were Their Demands.
- The Epoch TimesRight-leaningTV Networks Resume Coverage of Trump Events After Banned Media Regain Access