White House Launches Exclusive Streaming Platform Following Restrictions on Major News Outlets

The White House introduced a live broadcast channel on YouTube, titled TRUMP TV: The Essentials Station, at 7 p.m. ET on Monday. This launch occurred after US President Donald Trump barred several mainstream news organizations from the White House press pool.

Critics, including prominent figures from mainstream media, have criticized the livestream—which debuted with a recording of Trump’s America’s 250th anniversary speech at Mount Rushmore—as an effort to establish “state media.”

Trump characterized the platform, which emerged after television networks boycotted the administration in response to the bans, as a mechanism to circumvent “fake news” outlets and engage directly with the American public.

In a statement released on Monday, the White House defended the decision to bar CNN, Politico, and MS NOW from the premises. The statement asserted that while the First Amendment safeguards the media’s right to publish, it “does not grant them a right to a permanent press pass, a seat in the briefing room, or a spot in the press pool.”

The White House further argued that limiting press access is not without precedent, citing various instances during the Obama and Biden administrations where news outlets and journalists reportedly encountered similar restrictions or bans.

First Amendment lawsuit filed against White House

“No president is required to host a hostile outlet on White House grounds,” the statement concluded. “Access has always been a privilege, and President Trump is enforcing that rule.”

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated: “As expected, Fake News CNN, Politico (who should give back the $8 million grant given by the US Government to keep them afloat!), and MS NOW (formerly MSDNC!), have filed a lawsuit to get access to the White House – and to your President, ME!”

“They obtained a favorable judge, a man who previously ruled in favor of Jim Acosta, who now seems to have vanished from the face of the earth,” Trump continued. “The judge’s name is Tim Kelly, and unfortunately, he was appointed by ‘Trump.'”

Trump proceeded to criticize the press: “In other words, almost certainly, and as usual, we will appeal, because Fake News media figures and publications – who write only negative things and damage our national security by publishing false and defamatory stories based on unknown ‘sources’ – should not be given access to the most important office in the world.”

“It is called the Oval Office, and it must be treated with politeness, respect, and dignity – not desecrated by third-rate clowns who intentionally distort, twist, and demean everything they write or publish,” the president wrote. “Almost every story about me, or anything related to me, is negative, wrong, and in many cases, dangerous for our country! No matter how great my achievements are, they minimize and dismiss them.”

Streaming 24/7.

Live at 7PM. pic.twitter.com/ax9obEH4sf

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 21, 2026

“Given such corrupt and crooked press, how did I win by such a landslide? Because the media has zero credibility, and that is a very bad thing for our country!” Trump taunted. “Why should I grant ‘access’ to people like this? Perhaps Judge Kelly can explain that!”

‘Fake News is a threat to democracy’

“In any case, it is my duty to fight for the success and security of our country. Fake News is a threat to democracy, and I will do whatever it takes to ensure the United States thrives,” he concluded.

During a joint press conference with the president, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed the bans on these outlets: “Yes, I told the President that we will host an event right here on the lawn with all members of the press, and that’s something I believe in. As far as I’m concerned, everyone should be here – regardless of their stance or their criticism of us.”

At the same press conference, Trump continued his criticism: “It is interesting, because they said they were going to boycott me, but they never actually boycotted me, so I was not particularly worried about it. Look at all this media.”

The president added: “No, I am only doing this because I believe the media also has a responsibility. And you know, I won in a landslide. I won the election in a landslide. I have done great things. I have done many great things. I settled eight wars.”

Ultimately, Trump stated, “I believe these media outlets have a duty to be fair. And if they are fake news, I truly believe I have a responsibility not to allow them into another very special house.”

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