Trump TV launches after White House bans CNN, MS NOW and Politico
US President Donald Trump has launched a new online video streaming platform, “TRUMP TV: The Essentials Station,” days after his administration barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, 24NewsHD TV reported.
According to media reports, the 24-hour service is being streamed on the White House’s YouTube channel and features videos of Trump and his administration, official announcements, major events, speeches and archived footage.
The White House describes it as a central source for important information and live coverage of presidential and government events.
I am proud to announce that, effective immediately, I am banning Fake News CNN, MSNOW (who recently changed their name from MSNBC due to lack of viewership and credibility!), and Politico (The recipients of an illegal and ridiculous $8 Million Dollar subscription, an All Time…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 19, 2026
The launch comes amid an escalating dispute between the Trump administration and several major US media organisations. CNN, MS NOW and Politico have challenged the restrictions in court, arguing that the decision violates constitutional protections for freedom of the press.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcID0OafOts&t=6s
A federal court hearing on their request for temporary relief is scheduled.
Trump has defended the restrictions, accusing the targeted outlets of repeatedly publishing what he calls “fake news” about his presidency.
He has said the White House is not attacking the free press but is taking action against what he considers false reporting.
He has also described the outlets as a national security concern, although that claim has been disputed by media and legal experts.
The new platform has also attracted attention because of its promotional video, which uses clips from popular television shows and films including Friends, The Simpsons, Family Guy, Home Alone, Modern Family, Breaking Bad and The Dark Knight.
The footage involves productions associated with major entertainment companies including Warner Bros., Fox, Sony Pictures Television, Disney and NBCUniversal.
"It's just biased news. I think that these outlets have an obligation to be fair, and if they're fake news, I really think I have an obligation not to allow them..." - President Donald J. Trump ???????? pic.twitter.com/67MuMR6rxn
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 21, 2026
It was not immediately clear whether permission had been obtained for all the material used.
The use of entertainment footage is not entirely new for Trump, who has previously shared AI-generated videos incorporating scenes or imagery from well-known films such as Top Gun.
However, the latest promotional video has drawn particular attention because of the wide range of television and film clips included.
Media and constitutional law experts have offered differing assessments of the new service.
Some critics, including First Amendment advocates, have described it as an extension of the administration's direct-to-public communications strategy, while the White House presents it as a platform for providing essential information without relying on traditional media outlets.
The launch follows a broader reduction in traditional television coverage of Trump after major US broadcasters objected to restrictions on White House press access.
The new stream is therefore providing the administration with a direct channel for distributing video of the president and his activities.
The first broadcasts included footage of Trump's public appearances, while the platform's promotional material highlighted his 2024 presidential election victory and other administration events. The service is expected to continue providing round-the-clock official video coverage.