A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration must lift restrictions barring journalists from CNN, MSNBC, and Politico from accessing the White House. The ruling followed a lawsuit filed by these news organizations challenging the ban issued on September 18.

District Judge Tim Kelly, who was nominated by Trump in 2017, stated that the ban was likely unconstitutional and ordered that his decision remain in effect for 14 days. The judge rejected claims from the government that national security concerns justified the media restrictions.

Theodore Boutrous Jr., attorney for the affected outlets, described the decision as a strong affirmation of freedom of the press, due process, and the rule of law, expressing appreciation for the court’s prompt action.

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Judge Criticizes Justifications for the Ban

In his order, Judge Kelly noted that the government’s assertion of national security risks lacked factual support. He highlighted that the administration previously cited only alleged “lack of truthfulness and negativity” in coverage as the reason for the bans.

During a hearing, Kelly referenced earlier rulings from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, which affirm that White House press passes can only be revoked after proper due process. He observed that the banned outlets had not been given an adequate opportunity to challenge the decision.

Kelly has a history of issuing rulings protecting press access, previously ordering the reinstatement of a CNN journalist’s White House credentials in 2018.

Media Solidarity and Legal Arguments

The ban prompted other media organizations, including Deutsche Welle, to suspend pooled coverage of events at the White House in solidarity. The Department of Justice argued that access to the White House is a privilege, not a guaranteed right, and that the president has authority to deny entry to news organizations.

The banned outlets countered that they were targeted due to the content of their reporting, calling the restrictions a direct violation of the First Amendment, which prohibits government interference with freedom of speech and the press.