(Headline USA) The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating whether the decision of the White House television press pool to halt coverage of President Donald Trump last month violated antitrust law, an agency spokesperson said Saturday.
Emily Covington, a spokesperson for the department, said group boycotts among business competitors might violate U.S. law. “The Antitrust Division is simply investigating to determine whether these news organizations have violated the antitrust laws,” she said.
The announcement came after the television pool of five broadcasters last month ceased presidential coverage after the administration barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House.
CNN, MS NOW and Politico also sued over the days-long ban. It was lifted after a judge handed the three news organizations a reprieve, which is in place until Tuesday.
Television pool coverage of the White House has also resumed.
Adapted from reporting by the Associated Press
