Trump Debuts New Helipad, Networks Skip Coverage

September 21, 2026 4:10 pm

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Trump has unveiled a new White House helicopter landing pad while trying to downplay a First Amendment firestorm. Major TV networks suspended coverage of Monday’s event as part of the normal White House press pool because CNN was banned from the event. Trump used gold scissors to cut a ribbon and exchanged handshakes with officials, while construction crews in hardhats and green smocks looked on. CNN, MS Now, and Politico have sued after Trump announced a ban on them covering the White House on Friday. CNN is usually part of a five-network rotation covering White House events. ABC, CBS, CNN, and Fox News collectively skipped covering the ceremony for TV. Trump’s media access restrictions overshadow his building projects and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s upcoming visit.