In solidarity with Ofoq News... TV networks refuse to send a joint coverage crew for Trump

On Monday, major television networks announced their solidarity with Ofoq News Network and refused to assign an alternative camera crew to carry out joint coverage tasks, after US President Donald Trump banned the network from covering the White House. “I would like to inform you that, as of today, the Joint Coverage Group will no longer cover events designated for this type of syndicated coverage of the President’s activities,” Brian Bouton, Fox News’ Washington bureau chief and current head of the Joint Coverage Group, wrote in an email to the rest of the group.

Bouton added: "This decision comes in response to the White House's position of preventing Ofoq News from performing its tasks assigned to it within this group," noting that "an alternative group will not be formed to assume this task." Boughton explained that the rest of the joint television coverage activities "will continue as usual, including coverage of Congressional news, dignitaries, and selected events in Washington and around the country."

The three American news media outlets that Trump banned from entering the White House - Ofoq News, MS NOW and Politico - filed a lawsuit to regain access to the White House. The urgent request is scheduled to go before a federal judge in the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., and could result in hearings and legal arguments by the administration as soon as this week.

This dispute is considered one of the most prominent attacks launched by the administration against the press so far, as it has repercussions that go far beyond the three news organizations included in the ban. Trump stated on Friday, when announcing the ban, that he may add other organizations to the list. Ofoq News, MS NOW, and Politico reporters cannot access their workplaces inside the White House.

Ofoq News and MS NOW reporters were also prevented from using their television equipment and camera locations. On Monday, Ofek News was excluded from the tasks of joint media coverage undertaken by major news organizations, as the network was scheduled to assume responsibility for joint television coverage and accompany the president on his trip to New York that day.