CNN, MS NOW, Politico Win White House Access as Judge Rules Donald Trump’s Ban Likely Unconstitutional
A federal judge on Thursday ordered the Trump administration to restore White House access for journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico, ruling that the ban imposed on the three news organizations was likely unconstitutional.
A federal judge on Thursday ordered the Trump administration to restore White House access for journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico, ruling that the ban imposed on the three news organizations was likely unconstitutional. US District Judge Timothy Kelly issued the order after the three outlets challenged President Donald Trump’s decision to bar them from the White House. Trump had announced the ban on September 18, accusing the organizations of publishing what he described as “fake news.”
The journalists were subsequently denied entry to the White House grounds, with their press credentials deactivated. CNN, MS NOW and Politico argued that the move violated their First Amendment rights and denied them due process under the Fifth Amendment. ‘You Should Not Be Here’: Donald Trump Tells CNN at UN As Standoff With Media Outlets Persists (Video).
Judge Questions White House Process
Judge Kelly’s order followed a hearing on Wednesday in which he questioned whether the administration had followed established legal procedures before revoking the reporters’ access. Kelly pointed to earlier court decisions concerning White House press credentials and due process. The judge had also previously handled a 2018 dispute involving CNN reporter Jim Acosta, when the White House was ordered to temporarily restore his press credentials. The judge’s latest ruling found that the media outlets had presented sufficient grounds for immediate relief while their broader legal challenge proceeds.
Trump Administration Cited National Security
The Justice Department had defended the ban in court, arguing that access to the White House is a privilege rather than an unrestricted constitutional right. Government lawyers also cited national security concerns and alleged that the outlets had failed to meet standards related to professionalism and reporting. The administration's court filings referred to specific reports by CNN, MS NOW and Politico involving national security, military matters and White House security. The outlets disputed the government's justification and argued that the ban was retaliation for their reporting. Donald Trump Denies ‘Assault on Free Press’ As CNN, MS NOW and Politico Sue Over White House Media Ban.
White House Press Access Dispute
The dispute began after Trump announced on September 18 that CNN, MS NOW and Politico would no longer have access to the White House. Reporters from the three organizations were turned away the following day after their press badges were deactivated. The legal battle also affected the White House television press pool. CNN had been scheduled to provide pool coverage, but ABC News, CBS News, NBC News and Fox News declined to replace its camera operation, temporarily disrupting the usual pooled television coverage.
A coalition of news organizations and press-freedom groups had also urged the court to restore access, arguing that government officials should not exclude journalists because of their reporting or viewpoints. The latest order restores access for CNN, MS NOW and Politico while the underlying lawsuit continues. The broader legal dispute could further clarify the limits of presidential authority over White House press access and the constitutional protections applicable to journalists.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 24, 2026 11:28 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
