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The US Justice Department has opened an investigation into whether television news outlets in the White House press pool violated antitrust law by temporarily halting coverage of President Donald Trump, according to CBS News.

Department spokesperson Emily Covington said the pool members "boycotted" coverage of White House events and that the Antitrust Division is examining whether NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN and Fox News broke competition rules. She noted that collective boycotts among commercial rivals may breach US law.

The dispute follows Trump's social media post on September 18 announcing that CNN, MS NOW and Politico were banned from the White House, citing what he described as constant false reporting. The three outlets sued in federal court, and a judge on September 24 ordered their press credentials restored by October 8. Politico later said one of its reporters was still denied entry despite the ruling.

Key Takeaways

• The Justice Department's Antitrust Division is reviewing NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN and Fox News over a temporary boycott of White House events.
• Spokesperson Emily Covington said joint boycotts by commercial competitors may violate US law.
• A federal judge ordered credentials restored for CNN, MS NOW and Politico by October 8, but Politico said a reporter was still blocked.