Major networks resumed White House TV-pool coverage Friday after a federal judge ordered CNN’s access restored. They had abstained Wednesday and Thursday over Trump’s ban; pool footage showed his greeting of Xi Jinping, and CNN covered the later National Archives visit.
CBS handled White House pool duty Friday, while CNN was assigned to cover the National Archives visit. The pool supplies video feeds and information to other news organizations, including for events where the wider press corps cannot attend.
CNN anchor Pamela Brown said on air that access had been restored and the pool appeared to be functioning normally, though the coverage situation remained fluid. Ted Boutrous, a lawyer for CNN, MS NOW and Politico, said the plaintiffs in the ongoing White House access lawsuit believe Judge Timothy Kelly’s temporary restraining order covers pool access.
