Trump Launches Controversial 'Trump TV' Amid Media Ban

• •Trump TV launched on September 21, 2026, amid a media ban.
• •Viewership peaked at 8,000 but quickly dropped to around 4,000.
• •Critics compare Trump TV to state-run media in authoritarian countries.

On September 21, 2026, President Donald Trump launched 'Trump TV,' a 24/7 livestream channel featuring reruns of his speeches, following his ban on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from White House coverage. The three outlets have filed a lawsuit against the administration, claiming a violation of their First Amendment rights. In solidarity with the banned networks, major outlets like ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox News suspended their pool coverage of Trump. Initial viewership for Trump TV peaked at 8,000 but quickly declined to around 4,000. Critics, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, have likened the channel to state-run media found in authoritarian regimes. The White House defends the channel as a necessary response to perceived inaccuracies in mainstream media reporting on the administration's accomplishments. The launch has drawn widespread mockery online, with many commentators questioning its legitimacy and production quality.