Attorney General Discusses Media Access and President Trump’s Concerns
On ABC’s “This Week” Sunday, Attorney General Todd Blanche expressed that President Donald Trump is frustrated with certain media outlets for not providing accurate news coverage.
MARTHA RADDATZ: President Trump addressed the media on the same day he temporarily banned several press organizations from accessing the White House, a decision that a federal judge has since put on hold. Thank you for joining me today. Let’s dive right into it. There was no pool coverage from networks during the president’s trip to Tennessee this weekend, where CNN was reportedly prohibited from boarding Air Force One. Why was access denied?
BLANCHE: Well, the president hasn’t actually denied access. That’s not quite accurate. What he has stated is that he is fed up with specific media outlets refusing to report news factually. Being in the White House is a privilege, and the president is aware that it belongs to the American people. What unfolded last week showed that even after the judge intervened and allowed reporters back in, they still opted not to provide pool coverage. They made a choice not to cover the president again with video.
However, many people still saw the president at the football game in Tennessee yesterday. The unfortunate reality is that after years of biased media portrayal from certain outlets, the president decided it was unfair to the American public and took action. There’s still ongoing litigation, but it’s crucial to understand that being in the White House is a privilege, not a right.
RADDATZ: I get that perspective, but CNN’s exclusion from Air Force One was more about their reporting style than national security, right?
BLANCHE: I’m not saying that. The White House routinely determines who travels on Air Force One. This wasn’t a one-off denial of CNN. There are instances where different reporters are allowed or denied access. It’s quite common.
(CROSSTALK)
RADDATZ: But on that particular day, CNN was supposed to be the pool and was indeed denied entry.
BLANCHE: I understand that, but such decisions are standard whenever the president travels. Certain news outlets are clearly frustrated about last week’s events, leading them to abstain from pool coverage.
It’s within the president’s rights to choose who flies on his plane, especially concerning national security. When the misinformation flows from certain networks, it’s not just an issue of reporting inaccurately; it can have broader implications. Misinformation can impact our relationships with foreign allies and adversaries, making it not just about accuracy in reporting but also about national security concerns.
RADDATZ: You seem confident in your stance, but a temporary restraining order was issued. The judge was dubious about the national security justification and noted that President Trump didn’t cite those reasons when imposing the ban.
BLANCHE: I’m not going to address the judge’s comments since the litigation is still ongoing. Our stance, however, remains clear. What the media reports directly influences national security. If there’s misinformation coming from these outlets, it’s a serious matter.
RADDATZ: Can you provide an example of this inaccurate reporting?
BLANCHE: Are you asking for an example of incorrect reporting by CNN? It’s widely recognized that there’s no significant disagreement on the quality of information they publish.
RADDATZ: Still, the judge ruled that the case didn’t hinge on national security. How does that sit with you?
BLANCHE: The judge issued a temporary order; it’s not conclusive. I’m not going into specificities regarding the judge’s comments. My focus is on the government’s position, affirming what President Trump has consistently communicated: pervasive misinformation and biased reporting from certain organizations is, indeed, a matter of national security.
RADDATZ: Will there be screening for journalists going forward?
BLANCHE: That’s not what I said at all. I did not state that.
RADDATZ: You mentioned the president’s authority in choosing who has access.
BLANCHE: You’re putting words in my mouth.
RADDATZ: No, I’m not. I’m just trying to clarify.
BLANCHE: You suggested that I made a claim I didn’t make.
RADDATZ: Understood. Let’s move on—what is your view on the press’s role? What does the First Amendment signify to you?
BLANCHE: Well, what the law states is significant, not just my perspective. The free press is entitled to report what they wish. However, when it relates to the White House, it’s a privilege, not a right. Americans should expect reports to be factual and impartial. If they aren’t, the president has a responsibility to ensure the public receives accurate news. It doesn’t always have to be flattering; it just needs to be accurate.
RADDATZ: But the president has indicated otherwise…
BLANCHE: Yes, but accuracy is what really matters here.
RADDATZ: Some argue there’s an intention to undermine the Republican administration in his comments.
BLANCHE: The president has voiced his concerns about the mainstream media extensively. It’s disingenuous to cherry-pick his statements like that.
RADDATZ: We could look at additional signs. Mr. Attorney General, what criteria should apply for entry to the White House grounds or Air Force One?
BLANCHE: That’s not a decision for me to make, so I won’t speculate. What the president has conveyed and what we argued in court is critical for the protection of our country. We want to ensure that depictions of the administration are accurate. It doesn’t have to be displayed positively—just fairly portrayed.
