DOMINANT ANGLE
Oslo notes an unprecedented solidarity between rival channels, including those favorable to Trump, in the face of a press exclusion that federal justice has just deemed likely to be unconstitutional.
Dominant angle identified — does not reflect unanimity of this country’s media
KEY POINTS
- 01
Federal Judge Timothy Kelly ordered on Thursday the restoration of CNN, MS NOW, and Politico's access to the White House, ruling the exclusion was likely unconstitutional due to lack of notification in accordance with rules already established by the courts.
- 02
The five largest American broadcasters, including Fox News - known for its Trump-friendly coverage -, have suspended their participation in the White House television pool and launched lawsuits, according to Bryan Boughton, the current head of the pool.
- 03
Donald Trump, who had announced the exclusion on Friday, September 18, denouncing "fake news", responded by announcing the creation of his own channel, "Trump TV".
ANALYSIS
Oslo, September 24, 2026. Federal Judge Timothy Kelly ordered Donald Trump on Thursday to restore access to the White House for journalists from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico, reports VG, citing Reuters. The magistrate believes that the exclusion of the three editorial teams was likely unconstitutional: in his opinion, the White House did not notify the media in accordance with the rules already established by the justice system. He also questioned the national security argument put forward by the administration, as well as the reasons invoked by the White House to justify the exclusion.
The facts date back to Friday, September 18, the day Trump announced the exclusion of the three editorial teams and withdrew their accreditation without notice, accusing them of "fake news". From the next day, Saturday, September 19, journalists from the three media outlets were denied entry to the White House. On the same day, Trump assured that he remained committed to a free press - except, according to him, towards media that criticize, in 95% of their subjects, everything that he and his administration undertake. He described this coverage as "undergravende", meaning subversive.
VG notes an unexpected reaction: the five largest American broadcasters, including Fox News, reputed to be favorable to Trump, responded to the exclusion by suspending their "pool" coverage of the presidency, while also pursuing legal action. Bryan Boughton, from Fox News, who currently heads this television pool, explains: "It's because the White House does not allow CNN to fulfill its obligations within the pool." The system requires a broadcaster to film in turn for all channels; it was CNN's turn on Monday, September 21.
Trump replied by announcing the creation of his own channel, "Trump TV", promising to broadcast "the best moments, announcements, and [...]" - the sentence from the article ends there.
Dagbladet picks up the same title on the same day, but in a simple news recap where it is alongside other briefs, without detailing the judge's motivations.
For the Norwegian press, the episode goes beyond the usual American partisan divide: even a channel acquired by the president considers the measure untenable for the normal exercise of the profession of accredited journalist, a point that speaks directly to a country where press freedom remains a national benchmark.