A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to temporarily restore White House press access for journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico.
U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly said the administration’s decision to exclude the three news organizations was likely unconstitutional. The outlets had challenged the restrictions after their White House credentials were revoked following President Donald Trump’s September 18 announcement.
Judge Orders Press Credentials Restored
Kelly issued a temporary restraining order requiring administration officials to immediately reinstate the White House hard-pass credentials held by employees of CNN, MS NOW and Politico.
The order is set to remain in effect for 14 days unless the court decides otherwise.
The judge also rejected the administration’s national security argument. During the dispute, Justice Department lawyers had maintained that access to the White House could be restricted on security grounds.
Trump Defends White House Media Ban
Trump announced the restrictions on September 18 after criticizing the three outlets over their coverage.
In a social media post, the president accused CNN, MS NOW and Politico of repeatedly publishing what he described as false reporting. He later defended the decision when questioned by reporters at the White House.
The three organizations argued that the move violated their First Amendment press rights and Fifth Amendment due-process protections.
They filed a federal lawsuit in Washington seeking the restoration of their White House access.
Major Networks Protest the Restrictions
The dispute also prompted a response from several other major U.S. television networks.
FOX News Media, ABC News, CBS News, CNN and NBC News announced that they would suspend pooled coverage of presidential events in protest over the restrictions.
The networks said independent access to government officials was important for providing the public with accurate information about the administration.
The court’s temporary order restores access while the broader legal challenge over the White House media restrictions continues.
