CNN Threatens New Legal Action Over Continued Air Force One Exclusion

CNN's outside lawyer, Ted Boutrous, wrote to the Justice Department on October 19, 2026, warning the White House continues excluding CNN from Air Force One despite a ruling that an earlier ban on CNN, Politico, and MS NOW likely violated the First Amendment. Boutrous called the exclusion mistaken, counterproductive, and unlawful, and said CNN would pursue further legal action if access is not restored.

The dispute is the latest round in a monthslong standoff over press access that began when Trump announced the three outlets' White House ban in September; a judge rejected the ban, and the administration has said it will appeal.

No new lawsuit had been filed as of October 20; CNN says it is prepared to return to court if the exclusions continue.