The consequence of Trump's White House press ban is showing in real time.

Newsmax covered Trump's White House helipad ribbon-cutting.

There's just one problem:

You couldn't hear what the President was saying.

Why?

CNN was scheduled to provide the television pool coverage. Trump had banned CNN from the White House after saying:

“I don't want them in my office. I don't want them here.”

The White House then confiscated credentials from CNN, MS NOW and Politico journalists.

ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC declined to replace CNN in the pool.

So when Trump appeared today, there was no normal pooled television feed carrying his remarks.

That's the signal.

The White House press pool isn't a perk bestowed on journalists the President likes.

It is infrastructure that allows the public to independently see and hear the President of the United States.

Restrict the press because you dislike its coverage and you don't merely punish CNN.

You restrict the public's access to the presidency.

And the consequences may extend beyond today's ribbon-cutting: Trump's upcoming UN General Assembly trip is currently expected to proceed without the normal pooled television camera.

Meanwhile, CNN, MS NOW and Politico sued the administration today over their exclusion.

Trump wanted greater control over which journalists could cover him.

Days later, Americans literally couldn't hear what their President was saying.

That's why the principle mattered.