Trump has always been one to talk with the Pilots and giving them a pat on the shoulder as he leaves. I too would show great respect to the person capable of flying me around regardless of my authority.
Mothers always see their children as "children" and I don't mean that in a negative way at all. Until the day we die, we want to take care of our children and make sure they are taking care of themselves :)
Are they not still not able to report, investigate, etc? If so, then they are not "banned". They were not given access to the WH. Trump has given them more time with him to ask questions compared to Biden. Even they admit that.