Federal judge orders Trump administration to restore White House access for journalists from CNN, MS Now and Politico, ruling the ban likely unconstitutional. The decision comes as the administration faces legal challenges over the revocation of press credentials.
U.S. District Judge Tim Kelly issued the order after the Trump administration revoked access to the three media outlets on September 18, citing national security concerns. The judge found the revocation lacked proper due process, requiring advance notice and an opportunity to contest the decision before any suspension or revocation.
Kelly rejected the government's argument that the ban was motivated by national security concerns, stating the record lacks factual support for such claims. The judge emphasized that the revocation of press passes must adhere to constitutional protections for free speech and a free press.
The legal battle follows a similar ruling in 2018, where a judge found that the Trump administration had violated due process when it revoked a reporter's access. The current case highlights ongoing legal challenges to the administration's handling of media access and press freedoms.