Media Fight Fuels White House App Surge

Days after President Donald Trump barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico journalists from the White House, the administration says Americans are increasingly turning directly to its official mobile app for news and presidential coverage.

The White House announced that as of Sept. 22, its app had reached No. 1 in Apple’s News category and climbed into the Top 20 among all apps. The administration said the app, launched in March, has surpassed two million downloads across Apple’s App Store and Google Play.

The surge comes amid an escalating confrontation between Trump and the press. Reporters from CNN, MS NOW and Politico were denied access to the White House after Trump accused the organizations of reporting “fake news.” The three outlets have sued, arguing that their exclusion violates First Amendment protections. The White House maintains that access to its grounds is a privilege rather than a constitutional right.

Other news organizations have responded by withholding some pool coverage in solidarity with the barred outlets.

Against that backdrop, the administration is promoting its app as a way for users to bypass traditional news organizations and receive information directly from the White House.

The app provides breaking-news alerts, presidential announcements, photographs, videos, livestreams of speeches and briefings, the president’s daily schedule and opportunities for users to submit feedback.

The White House has also launched TrumpTV, a 24-hour digital stream featuring administration videos, presidential remarks and other highlights. The service is available through the White House website, its YouTube channel and the app.

The administration characterized the app’s rising ranking as evidence of demand for information directly from the presidency. Its critics, meanwhile, continue challenging the restrictions on independent media access in federal court.