After CNN was removed from the rotation of major outlets responsible for providing shared video coverage, other networks declined to participate in the pool in solidarity with the affected organisations. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) US President Donald Trump has proposed a new label for what he has long called “fake news”, saying he now prefers the term “artificial news” as his administration remains embroiled in a legal battle with several major media organisations. “Forget about ‘fake news.’ Now I am going to call them ‘artificial news.’ I like that,” Trump said on Tuesday, September 29, while continuing his attacks on news organisations he accuses of producing inaccurate or misleading coverage. The remark came against the backdrop of a major confrontation between the Trump administration and the US press. On September 18, Trump announced that CNN, MS NOW and Politico would be barred from the White House, accusing the outlets of publishing what he described as “fake news”. Reporters from the three organisations were subsequently denied access to the White House grounds and had their press credentials confiscated. The restrictions quickly became a legal issue. CNN, MS NOW and Politico challenged the administration in federal court, arguing that the ban violated constitutional protections and improperly restricted journalists' access to the presidency. On September 24, US District Judge Timothy Kelly ordered the White House to temporarily restore access for the three organisations. The order was issued for 14 days while the broader legal dispute continues. The judge questioned whether the administration had followed the legal process required before restricting press access. The dispute has also affected the White House press pool. After CNN was removed from the rotation of major outlets responsible for providing shared video coverage, other networks declined to participate in the pool in solidarity with the affected organisations. The latest comments from Trump also come as his administration promotes artificial intelligence as a tool for delivering government information. On Tuesday, the White House unveiled a revamped America.gov website featuring AI-generated responses based on federal government material. The use of “artificial news” therefore adds another layer to Trump's ongoing criticism of mainstream media, at a time when his administration's restrictions on press access remain before the courts. Working as Copy Editor at the Business Desk of Times Now Digital. Dedicated towards crafting interesting financial stories. Previously covered financi... View More