A US federal judge heard arguments Wednesday over President Donald Trump’s decision to bar CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House.
The three news organisations are seeking immediate restoration of their access while their broader legal challenge continues. They argue that the ban violates First Amendment press protections and due process rights.
Judge Questions White House Process
US District Judge Timothy Kelly questioned whether the administration followed required legal procedures before revoking the outlets’ access.
Kelly said existing appellate court precedents indicate journalists are entitled to due process before White House press credentials are withdrawn. He noted that the three outlets did not appear to receive a meaningful opportunity to challenge the decision.
The judge did not issue an immediate ruling. He said a decision on the request for a temporary restraining order would come soon.
Trump Defends Ban, Administration Cites Security
Trump announced the ban on September 18, accusing the three organisations of publishing what he described as false reporting about his presidency. The outlets have rejected the move and challenged it in federal court.
The Justice Department argued that White House access is a privilege rather than an entitlement. It also supported the administration’s position that national security concerns justified restricting access.
TV Networks Suspend Pool Coverage
The dispute has also affected the White House press pool. Major US television networks suspended pooled coverage of Trump’s movements in solidarity with the banned outlets.
The legal battle follows earlier disputes between the Trump administration and news organisations over White House access. In 2018, Judge Kelly ordered the White House to restore CNN correspondent Jim Acosta’s press credentials after finding that the revocation process lacked adequate procedures
