Federal judge orders Trump to restore White House access for CNN, MS NOW and Politico, rejecting claims of national security concerns. The 14-day temporary restraining order will force the administration to reinstate access for journalists from the three outlets.
The ban, which was announced on September 18, was based on Trump's claim that the outlets 'shouldn't be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES.' Judge Tim Kelly, a Trump appointee, ruled the ban likely unconstitutional, citing First Amendment protections and due process.
The decision comes as media organizations and press freedom groups call for the reversal of the ban, arguing it violates decades of Supreme Court jurisprudence. The White House Correspondents' Association and nearly 50 news organizations filed a brief supporting the three outlets, emphasizing the public's right to accurate information.
The ruling follows a previous case where Kelly ordered the White House to temporarily restore access for a CNN reporter whose pass had been revoked. The current case is part of a broader legal battle over Trump's restrictions on media coverage, with the White House launching a streaming channel to replace traditional press pool coverage.