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Federal judge temporarily blocks Trump administration’s ban and orders restoration of press credentials for the three news organisations

Journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico were allowed back into the White House on Thursday, September 24, six days after President Donald Trump barred the three news organisations from the premises.

The return followed an order by US District Judge Timothy Kelly directing the Trump administration to immediately restore the outlets’ access to the White House. The judge said the journalists were likely to succeed in showing that their press credentials had been revoked without constitutionally adequate due process. 

Reporters from the three organisations initially faced difficulties entering the White House on Thursday morning despite the court order. They were later allowed onto the grounds around midday after their credentials were restored. 

The dispute began after Trump announced the ban on Friday, accusing CNN, MS NOW and Politico of publishing what he described as “fake news” and other inaccurate reporting.

The three organisations subsequently challenged the decision in court, arguing that the ban violated their constitutional rights and was connected to the content of their reporting.

In his ruling, Judge Kelly said the White House had not provided the journalists with adequate notice and an opportunity to challenge the decision before their press credentials were revoked. He ordered their access to be restored for 14 days while the legal challenge continues. 

The Trump administration had argued that the restrictions were connected to national security concerns and alleged that the outlets had published sensitive information and falsehoods. The judge, however, said the government’s submissions provided limited support for its national-security justification and questioned whether that was the actual motivation for the ban. 

The case has drawn wider attention from media organisations and press-freedom groups, particularly because of its implications for journalists covering the US president and the White House.

The temporary order does not resolve the broader legal dispute. The court is expected to consider further arguments from both sides as the case proceeds.

For now, CNN, MS NOW and Politico reporters have regained access to the White House and can resume coverage of presidential activities under the terms of the court’s order.