The rumor spread online following reports that the White House restricted CNN from boarding Air Force One
WASHINGTON, DC: In the wake of White House restrictions placed on certain news organizations that President Donald Trump labeled as sources of “fake news,” a viral social media post falsely claimed that the administration is introducing a mandatory travel fee for journalists flying on Air Force One. The rumor quickly generated significant online debate and criticism, prompting a closer look at its validity.
The Claim: Donald Trump Imposes Travel Charges for Press Aboard Air Force One
The narrative began with a post on X (formerly Twitter) asserting that Trump was taking a hardline stance against misleading reporting.
According to the post, the administration was officially ending complimentary press travel on Air Force One as a blow to mainstream media networks.
“They can either pay their way, or they can fly the friendly skies,” the post falsely quoted Trump as telling reporters. “There’s no reason for taxpayers to be paying for two dozen hack journalists to follow me around and write lies.”
The message concluded by claiming that the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated these new fees would save taxpayers roughly $45 million annually.
Because the post was taken seriously by numerous readers, it triggered widespread backlash before it was properly scrutinized.
Fact Check: The Viral Rumor Stemmed From a Satirical Source
In reality, the claim is entirely unfounded. There is no official record of the president issuing any such directive.
No official White House statements, press releases, or legitimate news reports corroborate the idea that a travel fee has been established for journalists accompanying the president on government aircraft.
Furthermore, a comprehensive search of public statements shows no evidence that Trump made the quoted remarks. A major policy shift of this nature would inevitably draw intense coverage from all major media outlets, yet no credible records exist.
The origin of the story traces back to a well-known satirical Facebook page titled ‘America’s Last Line Of Defense,’ which explicitly states in its profile disclaimer that none of its content is based on factual events.
Background: CNN Restricted From Air Force One Access
The satirical post gained traction against a backdrop of genuine tension between the administration and the press. Specifically, the rumor emerged shortly after reports surfaced on Friday, September 25, that the White House barred CNN from joining the presidential press pool on Air Force One.
That restriction followed earlier actions by Trump to limit the access of CNN, MS NOW, and Politico to White House grounds, citing what he characterized as a persistent pattern of biased and inaccurate reporting.
“Media Outlets shouldn’t be able to constantly write or report fiction and lies when they’re covering the President of the United States, the Trump Administration, or the United States of America,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on September 18.