WASHINGTON — A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order early Thursday, mandating that the White House immediately restore press credentials to CNN, MS NOW, and Politico. The ruling marks a significant legal setback for the Trump administration, which had moved to bar the three news organizations from the White House grounds on September 18.
U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly, a 2017 appointee of President Trump, delivered the order after hearing arguments Wednesday regarding the administration’s attempts to restrict access for outlets the President has frequently characterized as “fake news.” The temporary restraining order is set to remain in effect for 14 days, effectively preserving the status quo while the court conducts a more comprehensive review of the constitutional arguments presented by both sides.
The controversy centers on the administration’s escalating conflict with media organizations whose editorial coverage has drawn sharp criticism from the President. Trump has frequently labeled negative coverage as “dangerous for the country,” asserting that such reporting warrants a revocation of access to the Executive Mansion.
In their legal challenge, the news outlets argued that the ban was a calculated act of viewpoint discrimination. Their attorneys contended that the administration singled out these specific organizations based on the content of their reporting, characterizing the revocation of their credentials as a “blatant violation” of the First Amendment. By barring journalists from the White House, the outlets argued, the administration was stifling protected speech and interfering with the public’s right to independent coverage of the presidency.
Judge Kelly’s decision echoes a landmark ruling he made in 2018, when he similarly ordered the restoration of access for a CNN journalist who had been blocked by the administration. That earlier case established a precedent that press access to the White House cannot be revoked arbitrarily without due process.
The White House has yet to issue a formal statement regarding how it intends to comply with the order. However, the ruling places immediate pressure on the administration to facilitate the return of the journalists to the grounds.
Legal experts suggest that the 14-day window provided by the court will likely be used to determine whether the administration can provide a legally defensible justification for its actions. Until the case moves to its next phase, the White House will be required to permit these outlets to continue their reporting operations as they did prior to the September 18 ban.
The case is being watched closely by First Amendment advocates and media organizations, who view the ruling as a critical defense of the press’s role in holding the government accountable.
This is a developing news story. Check back for updates.
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