Trump Launches New YouTube Channel to Circumvent Media Blackout

Former President Donald Trump has launched a new media platform, "TRUMP TV: The Essential Station," on YouTube as a means to bypass what his administration terms a media blackout. The channel, promoted by the White House, began streaming Monday at 7 p.m. ET, offering a 24-hour playlist of clips featuring Trump and his administration.

The YouTube video caption states, "Watch the Trump Administration's biggest moments all in one place. Top videos, major remarks, and must-see highlights streaming 24/7 and updated in real time. Stay informed and stay up to date!"

In addition to the video channel, Trump is initiating a text messaging service designed to connect directly with supporters. A message announcing the service read, "This is the official number of President Trump and the White House. We launched this number to stay directly connected with YOU, THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. We'll share important updates and ways you can get involved."

The move comes after Trump banned several news outlets on Friday, citing their critical coverage as "fake news." Vice President JD Vance defended the decision on Monday, stating, "They can still report. They still have the access to free speech. They're just not going to get an office in the White House anymore."

Following the ban, some reporters from the affected outlets had their press credentials revoked upon attempting to enter the White House over the weekend. In response, major broadcast networks, including Fox News, CNN, ABC, CBS, and NBC, collectively known as the TV pool, announced they would not dispatch reporters or cameramen to cover the president on Monday. This protest action means Trump's trip to New York for the United Nations General Assembly meeting on Monday would go unaired by these networks.

Despite the TV pool's boycott, the conservative outlet Real America's Voice (RAV) is set to stream the UN event, and local TV operator Hearst will cover the president's White House events. Fox News Washington Bureau Chief Bryan Boughton confirmed the TV pool's decision in an email, noting it followed the White House's prevention of CNN from fulfilling its assigned pool duties.

CNN was originally slated to serve as the TV pool crew on Monday. However, official guidance sent Sunday indicated no TV pool coverage would be provided that day. The White House has also previously threatened action against The New York Times and The Washington Post.