The Justice Department announced an antitrust investigation into five major television networks, citing concerns that their coordinated suspension of White House pool coverage may have violated federal competition law. The networks — ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News and NBC — collectively halted pool reporting after the Trump administration barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico from White House grounds last month. A federal judge later restored access for those outlets, and the networks resumed pool coverage, though disputes remain over continued restrictions on pool participation aboard Air Force One.

The White House pool system pools resources among networks to share footage of the president’s daily activities with other media outlets. When the pool suspended coverage, major networks did not broadcast several high‑profile events, including the ceremonial airport greeting of President Xi Jinping.

Emily Covington, a Justice Department spokesperson, said the investigation examines whether the networks’ joint decision to withhold coverage constitutes a group boycott that could run afoul of the Sherman Act, the 1890 antitrust statute that bars concerted actions restraining trade. "The Antitrust Division is simply investigating to determine whether these news organizations have violated the antitrust laws," she said.

ABC confirmed it had not yet received formal notification of the probe but anticipated doing so. One other network has been notified, according to a source who spoke on condition of anonymity. The investigation marks an escalation in the administration’s use of legal tools against media outlets that have challenged its policies. In addition to the CNN ban, the Pentagon has taken steps to curtail coverage by the military newspaper Stars and Stripes and imposed new access rules for journalists at the Pentagon, prompting a walkout by reporters and a lawsuit filed by the New York Times.

Federal prosecutors have issued subpoenas to reporters from several news organizations, including The Washington Post and the New York Times. In January, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a Washington Post reporter’s home, seizing work‑related and personal devices. The antitrust inquiry was first disclosed by the New York Times.

CBS, CNN, Fox News and NBC did not comment when asked for statements. Press freedom advocates quickly criticized the move. Jose Zamora of the Committee to Protect Journalists wrote on X that the government should not wield antitrust investigations to intimidate outlets defending press access. Seth Stern of the Freedom of the Press Foundation called the investigation "nonsense," arguing that depriving a president of attention is not a competitive harm and that antitrust law traditionally includes First Amendment exceptions.

Laura Loomer, a far‑right activist with close ties to the administration, had previously urged the Justice Department to investigate the networks for antitrust violations after the pool suspension. It remains unclear whether she influenced the department’s decision. Loomer did not respond to requests for comment.

The Sherman Act, a cornerstone of U.S. antitrust enforcement, underpins cases ranging from the Standard Oil breakup in 1911 to a 1990s lawsuit against Microsoft. Critics have accused the Trump administration’s Antitrust Division of selective enforcement, pointing to its handling of companies viewed as administration allies. Former division head Gail Slater was removed amid disagreements over enforcement aggressiveness; Trump has since nominated Adam Candeub, currently Federal Communications Commission general counsel, to lead the division, pending Senate confirmation.

While the president has frequently criticized media organizations, he maintains close relationships with Fox News and with Skydance, the parent company of CBS and CNN. Skydance’s leadership includes David Ellison, whose father, Oracle co‑founder Larry Ellison, is a known presidential ally. Makan Delrahim, who headed the Antitrust Division during Trump’s first term, now serves as Skydance’s top lawyer.

The investigation continues to raise questions about the intersection of antitrust policy, press freedom and political retaliation.