White House launches 'Trump TV' 24/7 streaming platform amid CNN, MS NOW, Politico press access dispute

The White House has launched "Trump TV", a 24/7 streaming platform featuring US President Donald Trump's speeches, administration announcements and other official updates, amid an escalating dispute with major news organisations over press access.

The platform, branded "Trump TV: The Essentials Station", was launched on Monday through the White House's digital platforms. The White House said the stream would operate around the clock and be updated in real time, bringing together past presidential moments, announcements and other administration content.

During its launch, the platform aired footage from Trump's previous public appearances, including his swearing-in ceremony as the 47th US president. The service provides the administration with a direct digital channel to distribute presidential video and official announcements to viewers.

The launch comes as the Trump administration faces a dispute with CNN, Politico and MS NOW over access to the White House. The three news organisations have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the administration's decision to revoke access for their journalists.

Trump has defended the restrictions, accusing the outlets of publishing what he described as "fake news" and arguing that news organisations have an obligation to report fairly. The White House has maintained that while the First Amendment protects the media's right to publish, it does not guarantee individual organisations access to the White House grounds, briefing room or presidential press pool.

The three organisations have challenged that position in court, arguing that the government should not selectively restrict journalists based on their reporting. The case has been assigned to US District Judge Timothy Kelly, with the outlets seeking the restoration of their White House press access.

The dispute has also affected the White House television pool, through which major broadcasters provide shared footage of presidential events. After CNN was removed from its scheduled pool duties, other major broadcasters suspended the shared coverage arrangement rather than replace the network.

Against this backdrop, Trump TV gives the White House an additional way to communicate directly with the public without relying exclusively on traditional news organisations for the distribution of presidential footage.

Trump is currently in New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where he is scheduled to participate in the high-level General Debate and meet with several world leaders.