A U.S. federal judge orders the White House to continue allowing journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico to access the White House as a legal challenge to the ban proceeds. The ruling by District Judge Timothy Kelly extends a prior, short-term reprieve granted after the Trump administration restricted the outlets’ entry in September.
In Tuesday’s decision, Kelly issues an injunction preventing the administration from enforcing the ban while the case is considered. Multiple outlets report that the judge characterizes the outlets’ legal arguments as likely to succeed, including claims that the action may violate constitutional protections, with references to due process and First and Fifth Amendment rights. The outlets and press freedom groups argue the ban is retaliation for coverage they say Trump finds objectionable.
News coverage also notes the broader context of ongoing litigation and that the decision arrives ahead of the U.S. midterm elections, as the administration’s moves against certain media outlets remain under scrutiny.
