‘State-run media’: White House slammed for promoting own news app after media ban

WorldPolitics
22 Sep 2026 • 3:41 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

‘State-run media’: White House slammed for promoting own news app after media ban

  • The White House has drawn widespread criticism for promoting its official mobile app to stream news straight from the Trump administration, just days after President Donald Trump banned journalists from CNN, Politico, and MS NOW.
  • The promotion coincided with the White House television pool suspending coverage of presidential events in protest of the ban, which critics and news organisations argue violates the First Amendment of the US Constitution.
  • Critics on social media swiftly condemned the app promotion, with political commentators and users comparing the initiative to state-run media and government propaganda reminiscent of authoritarian regimes.
  • During a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new White House helipad—which major television networks refused to broadcast live due to the blackout—the app's official livestream suffered severe audio failure, broadcasting nine minutes of static while President Trump spoke.
  • The app provides access to official livestreams, Trump's Truth Social posts, public schedules, and policy outlines, but it ranked 46th in Apple's News category and recorded fewer than 1,000 views for the helipad event.

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