White House is ordered to restore access to CNN, Politico, and MS NOW after a federal judge ruled Trump's ban on the outlets unconstitutional. The judge's order, which is in effect for 14 days, requires the White House to reinstate the media outlets' press passes. The ruling comes as the administration faces legal challenges over the ban, which was initially justified by Trump as a response to 'fake news' and later cited national security concerns.
The judge rejected the administration's claim that national security concerns justified the ban, stating the record lacked factual support. He also noted that Trump initially cited 'alleged lack of truthfulness and negativity' in reporting as the reason for the ban. The judge emphasized that the media outlets did not have a proper chance to contest the ban, and that the government must have clear standards for revoking press passes. The ruling follows a hearing where both sides debated the legal implications of the ban.
The White House has not responded to requests for comment on the order or whether it will allow reporters back inside. The ban has led to a standoff with other media outlets, including DW, which has suspended pooled coverage of Trump events. The media outlets have accused the administration of violating their constitutional rights and have called the ban a 'blatant violation' of the First Amendment. The legal battle continues as the White House faces pressure to comply with the judge's order.
The administration has argued that access to the White House is a privilege, not an entitlement, and that the president has the authority to deny access to news organizations. However, the judge has ruled that the ban was likely unconstitutional and that the media outlets were not given due process. The standoff highlights the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and the press, with the media outlets continuing to assert their right to report on the White House despite the ban.