President Trump banned CNN and MS NOW from the White House grounds, calling them "fake news." Other television networks subsequently boycotted covering him in protest, leaving him without his usual media platform during public events. In response, Trump announced the launch of "Trump TV: The Essentials Station," a new 24/7 streaming service that would broadcast White House content and the President's speeches without editorial context or commentary.

The White House revealed that Trump TV had been in development before the media conflict erupted, with the digital team working on a YouTube 'Station' feature to showcase presidential highlights and speeches. The timing of the launch appeared strategically convenient, as internal administration sources viewed the press boycott as an ideal opportunity to introduce the platform. Democrats criticised the move as an authoritarian step, whilst the administration framed it as delivering unfiltered news directly to citizens on their phones.