Trump family company files to trademark 'Trump TV' after White House media ban

September 25, 2026 at 09:27 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

A Trump family company filed a trademark application for 'Trump TV' on Sept. 24, covering political news and commentary. The filing came days after President Trump sought to ban CNN, MSNBC, and Politico from the White House, prompting a boycott by major networks. A federal judge restored access on Thursday, and the White House allowed CNN to resume pool duties on Friday.

Key Facts

DTTM Operations, an affiliate of the Trump Organization, filed the trademark application for 'Trump TV' on Sept. 24.
The trademark would cover political news and commentary, according to the application.
The White House launched its own 'Trump TV' channel on its website and YouTube, streaming archived video of the president's speeches and events.
A federal judge ordered the restoration of media access on Thursday, and the White House allowed CNN to resume pool duties on Friday.
Trump earned millions of dollars in licensing agreements for sneakers, fragrances, guitars, and international hotels and golf courses, according to his most recent government ethics disclosures.

Trademark Filing

DTTM Operations, an affiliate of the Trump Organization, filed the trademark application for 'Trump TV' on Sept. 24. The application seeks to cover political news and commentary. The White House referred questions to the Trump Organization, which did not respond to a request for comment. It is unclear why the property linked to the president is seeking the trademark and how it would impact the federal government's project under that name.

Media Ban and Boycott

The filing came days after President Trump announced a bid to ban CNN, MSNBC, and Politico from the White House grounds. Major television networks boycotted presidential coverage in response. A federal judge ordered their access restored on Thursday. On Friday, the White House allowed CNN to resume its duties as part of the pool that covers the president at certain events. The restoration of access was a key consideration for major networks, who share resources for expensive television coverage and rely on CNN's participation.

Business Dealings

Family business deals and licensing agreements have proliferated in Trump's second term, entering industries including cryptocurrencies, social networking feeds, drones, and prediction markets. The arrangements have drawn outcry from opponents including congressional Democrats, and occasional Republican scrutiny. White House representatives have repeatedly said there are no conflicts of interest related to the president and his outside business interests. Trump has long monetized the family name through licensing deals, including in real estate and merchandise. He earned millions of dollars in licensing agreements for sneakers, fragrances, guitars, and international hotels and golf courses, according to his most recent government ethics disclosures.