President Donald Trump ceremonially opened a new granite South Lawn helipad, but major networks including ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox declined to send pooled camera crews, joining CNN after it was barred from White House grounds. The brief ceremony — attended by aides such as Chief of Staff Susie Wiles — was hard to hear over Marine One and was only available via a White House livestream. The access dispute followed the White House’s decision to cut credentials for CNN, MSNBC and Politico, actions that prompted lawsuits and a suspension of the rotating pool arrangement.
Trump Unveils South Lawn Helipad — Major Networks Refuse Pooled Coverage
Photo Credit: Finn Gomez/Staff / Getty Images
President Donald Trump on Monday formally opened a new granite-clad helicopter landing pad on the South Lawn, but the event drew more attention for who was not there than for the ribbon-cutting itself. Several major networks declined to send pooled camera crews, joining CNN after it was temporarily barred from White House grounds.
Light rain fell as Mr. Trump used oversized gold scissors to cut a red, white and blue ribbon. Construction workers in hard hats and green smocks lined up to shake hands with the president, while administration aides, including White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, observed the brief ceremony.
Audio Problems and Limited Coverage: The roughly three-minute event was difficult to hear because Marine One was idling nearby. Television crews normally bring dedicated audio equipment to White House events, but with a pool boycott in effect only a White House-produced livestream was available. The pool print reporter on duty, The Washington Blade’s Joe Reberkenny, said attendees standing close by could not hear the president clearly.
Why Networks Stepped Back: The empty press risers stemmed from a decision late last week by the White House to revoke or suspend credentials for several outlets — including CNN, MSNBC and Politico — after the administration accused them of publishing what it called "FICTION and LIES." The affected outlets filed lawsuits alleging the move violates their First Amendment rights. The White House defended its stance in a statement titled "White House Access Is a Privilege — Not a Right."
In solidarity, the five outlets that normally rotate pooled camera duty announced they would pause the rotation entirely rather than allow one member to be excluded by a government-imposed ban. The standoff left media coverage limited to the administration’s own livestream and raised fresh questions about press access and precedent at the White House.
Bottom line: A ceremonial ribbon-cutting for a new helipad was overshadowed by an escalating dispute over press credentials and pool access, producing limited independent coverage and audible difficulties during the event.
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