US Judge Orders Trump White House To Restore Press Access To CNN, MSNBC, Politico
A US federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to immediately restore White House press access to CNN, MSNBC, and Politico, ruling that the ban imposed on the three media organisations was likely unconstitutional. Judge Tim Kelly issued a temporary restraining order in response to a lawsuit filed by the news outlets challenging the ban announced by President Donald Trump on September 18.
The judge cited established legal precedent requiring advance notice and an opportunity for journalists to be heard before their White House credentials are revoked. Judge Kelly expressed scepticism of the Justice Department's defence, noting that letters explaining the revocation were sent only after the press passes had already been removed and legal action commenced.
The temporary restraining order will remain in effect for 14 days while the court examines the case more closely. Trump had stated on social media that the outlets "shouldn't be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES," while Justice Department lawyers defended the ban on national security grounds.
