White House Blocks Politico From Air Force One Amid Media Disputes

President Donald Trump called for the arrests of news organizations over their coverage of his latest political rallies, according to The Wrap. In a post on Truth Social, Donald Trump specifically targeted media outlets such as The New York Times, accusing them of dishonesty regarding attendance figures at his events, The Wrap reported. Donald Trump stated in the post that he never has empty seats at his rallies, according to The Wrap. [1]

Time and Deadline both reported that the White House blocked Politico from traveling aboard Air Force One on Monday. Politico was set to serve as the main travel print pool reporter for President Donald Trump on his trip to Nebraska, according to Time and Deadline. The move prevented the publication from fulfilling its assigned press pool duties for the journey, Time and Deadline both noted. [2][3]

A spokesperson for Politico confirmed that the news outlet was excluded from the out of town press pool, Deadline reported. Time reported that the decision marks a further escalation in an ongoing dispute regarding media access to President Donald Trump. [2][3]

The Wrap reported that Donald Trump shared video footage showing crowds standing in lines outside his venues to demonstrate attendance before calling for arrests. The New Republic also reported on Donald Trump's statements regarding media coverage of his recent campaign rallies. [1][4]