CNN, MS NOW and Politico journalists were allowed back at the White House on Thursday, nearly a week after President Donald Trump banned them. The reinstatement came after a federal judge ruled that the administration had to temporarily restore their access while their legal challenge proceeds.
White House reporters Betsy Klein of CNN and Laura Barron-Lopez of MS NOW immediately began reporting live on air after entering the White House grounds. Politico also confirmed one of its reporters was granted access.
U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly reinstated the outlets’ access for 14 days while their legal challenge proceeded. He wrote in his temporary restraining order that Trump’s directive was “most likely unconstitutional.”
“This is a strong ruling vindicating freedom of the press, due process and the rule of law,” said attorney Ted Boutrous, representing the news outlets. The judge noted Trump did not dispute that the outlets “did not receive notice and an opportunity to be heard before their hard passes were revoked.”
Trump had announced the ban on the three outlets on Friday in a post on Truth Social, calling it “a result of their constant ‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS!”
The ruling lands in a broader stretch of friction for the administration, which is simultaneously stepping up diplomacy as Russian attacks continue across Ukraine.
Key Developments
- Judge Timothy Kelly issues 14-day temporary restraining order
- CNN, MSNBC, Politico reporters regain White House access Thursday
- Trump’s ban deemed “most likely unconstitutional” by court
- Lawsuit continues; 14-day window for legal challenge
- Ban originally announced Friday on Truth Social
Implications
- Major victory for press freedom and due process
- Sets precedent for judicial review of White House access decisions
- 14-day window leaves ongoing legal uncertainty
- Trump’s media confrontations continue to test First Amendment boundaries
Featured image: the White House north façade, Nishkid64 via Wikimedia Commons (public domain).
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