The White House is reportedly refusing to send its spokespeople or surrogates onto CNN shows, in the latest battle between Donald Trump and the broadcaster.

CNN has been one of the main targets of the president's criticism of the media during the presidential campaign and after he won the election in November.

At a combative press conference at Trump Tower last month, he labelled CNN "fake news" and refused to take a question from one of its reporters for publishing highly-damaging and unverified accusations about his behaviour in Russia.

“We’re sending surrogates to places where we think it makes sense to promote our agenda,” a White House official told Politico. The official acknowledged CNN was not such a place, but said the ban was not permanent.