CNN was originally scheduled to be the TV network in the press 'pool' travelling with President Trump today

CNN reporters blocked from Trump Air Force One trip

· RTE.ie

CNN reporters have been blocked from travelling with US President Donald Trump on Air Force One.

The US president last week sought to ban US news outlets CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, accusing them of providing only negative coverage on him.

After journalists with the three outlets were blocked from entering the White House complex, a judge ordered their access to be temporarily restored, saying Mr Trump's move was likely unconstitutional.

CNN was scheduled to be the TV network in the press 'pool' travelling with President Trump for a trip to Tennessee today.

However, a schedule released by the White House yesterday evening did not list CNN or any of the TV networks in the TV pool rotation.

The pool is a rotating group of journalists that travels with the president and provides coverage to other outlets, due to limited space.

The White House schedule only listed a "Secondary TV" correspondent and crew - Lindell TV, a pro-Trump outlet run by his close ally, businessman Mike Lindell.

Earlier this week, when CNN's White House access was still revoked, the top five US broadcasters made a joint move to halt pool coverage of the White House.

"The public has a vital interest in receiving accurate, independent information about its government. No administration should restrict a news organization because it objects to its reporting," ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox and NBC said.

US television networks resumed coverage of President Donald Trump’s White House events yesterday, providing the first live pool coverage for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit.

The White House television press pool provided video of President Xi's arrival at the White House for tea on the final day of the Chinese leader's visit, as well as the two leaders' tour of the National Archives, which houses the US Constitution.