Gardner asked Trump directly, "Do you only want outlets that support you to be a part of the press pool?" Trump shot back, "No, no, no. I want real news, not fake news, like you." The exchange happened at the White House and was not broadcast live, since CNN had already been removed as the designated pool television crew that day.
Trump has openly criticized both CNN and MS Now over coverage he calls overly negative. He has moved to restrict their access to the press pool that travels with him and records his public movements. The pool system exists so a small rotating group of journalists can cover the president on behalf of the wider press corps, then share that footage and reporting with everyone else.
For reporters covering the White House, losing pool access means losing a basic tool for holding the presidency accountable in real time. It also means fewer eyes on a sitting president during routine travel and public appearances, moments that used to get broadcast live regardless of who was standing behind the camera.