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A federal judge has ordered the White House to immediately restore access for CNN, MS NOW and Politico, ruling that the news organizations are likely to prevail in their legal challenge against the Trump administration.
US District Judge Timothy Kelly issued a 14-day temporary restraining order early Thursday, allowing the three outlets to regain access to the White House while their lawsuit proceeds, according to the original report.
Judge cites lack of due process
Kelly said the organizations were likely to succeed, at least in arguing that their press credentials had been revoked without due process. He noted that the administration did not dispute that the outlets were given neither notice nor an opportunity to respond before their hard passes were withdrawn.
The ruling also rejected the White House’s argument that national security concerns justified excluding the outlets. Kelly pointed to President Donald Trump’s own explanation for the ban, saying the president had focused on what he described as inaccurate and negative reporting rather than national security considerations.
News organizations challenge White House decision
Trump announced the ban on Friday, accusing the three organizations of repeatedly publishing what he called “FAKE NEWS” and warning that other media outlets could face similar treatment.
The president later described the move as a ban on the “free press” and said he did not want the outlets inside the White House. He also said the decision was based on what he characterised as years of negative coverage, rather than any individual report.
The three organizations sued, arguing that the administration had retaliated against them because of their reporting. They also said the policy could pressure other journalists to alter their coverage out of concern that they might face similar restrictions.
In his ruling, Kelly said the First Amendment protects the press from government action based solely on an official’s disagreement with the content of its reporting.
Trump had criticised Kelly before Wednesday’s hearing, calling him “totally disloyal” in a social media post and indicating that the administration would appeal an unfavourable ruling.
The White House had not immediately responded to a request for comment following the judge’s order.
