Networks Boycotted President Xi Jinping Arrival Ceremony
Major news outlets withdrew pool coverage to protest an administration media ban targeting specific organizations.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in International Relations
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Major U.S. television networks ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox News boycotted the arrival ceremony for President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews. The networks withdrew their pool coverage to show solidarity with CNN, MSNBC, and Politico, who remain under a media ban enacted by President Donald Trump.
Why it matters
The boycott underscores deepening tensions between the White House and the press corps over access and institutional transparency. By refusing to participate in the rotating pool, networks are challenging the administration's ability to restrict coverage of high-profile diplomatic events.
Four major networks pulled out of the official rotating pool for the Joint Base Andrews ceremony. While U.S. domestic media withdrew, Chinese state-run media outlets remained in attendance to document the event.
The players
Donald Trump
Donald Trump is the current President of the United States.
Xi Jinping
Xi Jinping is the President of China.
The details
President Donald Trump planned an elaborate welcome for the Chinese leader, seeking specific video and photographic documentation of the arrival. Networks chose to bypass the event in protest of the ongoing ban preventing CNN, MSNBC, and Politico from covering the administration.
Timeline
A court hearing regarding a temporary restraining order on the media ban occurred on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
President Xi Jinping arrived at Joint Base Andrews on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
Political Context
The withdrawal of the major broadcast networks represents a direct challenge to the White House Correspondents' Association pool reporting protocols that historically ensure balanced media access. Opposition groups and media advocates have criticized the bans as an attempt to restrict the constitutional role of the press in holding the executive branch accountable.
This dispute limits the diversity of official footage available to the public, as viewers may only see content cleared by the administration or state-run outlets. Citizens should be aware that the lack of independent pool reporting can restrict the breadth of coverage regarding high-level international meetings.
The takeaway
The media boycott reflects a significant escalation in the struggle between the executive branch and national news organizations. Readers are encouraged to look for multiple sources of information to gain a complete picture of diplomatic events when access is restricted.
Further reading
For broader context on current diplomatic protocols and press access, visit the International Relations section.
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