Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the White House’s decision to restrict certain media access, saying that being inside the White House or traveling aboard Air Force One should be viewed as a privilege rather than an automatic right.
His comments came after CNN was prevented from joining President Donald Trump on Air Force One during his trip to Tennessee.
Appearing on ABC’s “This Week,” Blanche argued that the president and his team have the authority to determine which journalists accompany him on the presidential aircraft.
He also pushed back against the description that CNN had simply been “denied access,” saying that the White House routinely decides which members of the press travel with the president.
“The president has every right to decide who gets to fly on his plane,” Blanche said, while also pointing to national security concerns involving Air Force One and the White House.
The dispute followed a broader confrontation between the Trump administration and several major news organizations.
CNN, Politico and MS NOW had previously lost their White House press credentials. However, a federal judge later issued a temporary restraining order requiring the White House to restore those credentials while the legal battle continues.
Despite the court’s order, CNN was not included on the president’s flight to Tennessee, even though it had been scheduled to serve as part of the rotating television press pool. The White House instead allowed another outlet to take part in the trip.
During the ABC interview, Blanche argued that the administration’s concerns went beyond disagreements with individual news organizations.
He said inaccurate information coming from the White House press corps could have consequences for America’s relationships with foreign governments and allies.
Blanche maintained that the administration’s position was connected to protecting the country and ensuring that information reaching people around the world is accurate.
At the same time, he acknowledged that journalists remain free to report whatever they choose. His argument was that access to locations such as the White House and Air Force One is a separate issue.
The dispute remains tied up in ongoing litigation, with the judge’s temporary order currently requiring the restoration of certain White House press credentials.
