The United States Department of Justice announced on Saturday that it is investigating whether several television stations have violated federal law by deciding to boycott broadcasts from the White House, after the administration withdrew the credentials of journalists from three press organizations.
The positions targeted by the investigation are ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, and Fox News, specified the Department of Justice, according to Reuters.
“Collective boycotts among commercial competitors may violate the Sherman Act”, stated a spokesperson for the Department of Justice. “The Antitrust Division is simply conducting an investigation to determine whether these press organizations have violated antitrust laws.”
The investigation is the latest in a series of confrontations between the Trump administration and major press organizations. President Donald Trump has repeatedly labeled the traditional press as “fake news” and often clashes with journalists during press meetings.
This action also puts legal and possibly financial pressure on media institutions, to compel them to continue reporting about the president even when they disagree with the way the White House treats them.
Television stations did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment on the situation. The New York Times was the first to report on the investigation. The investigation is taking place after weeks of tension between the White House and the press.
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