A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to temporarily restore White House access for journalists from CNN, MS Now, and Politico. US District Judge Tim Kelly stated that the ban on the three media outlets was likely unconstitutional.
Judge Kelly issued his order in response to a lawsuit filed by the news organisations, which challenged the ban announced by the president on September 18. The judge mandated the immediate return of the outlets' press passes and issued a temporary restraining order valid for 14 days.
Kelly cited past case law, emphasising the requirement for a distinct process involving advance notice of an infraction and an opportunity for the journalist to present their case. Justice Department lawyers had argued that the administration provided sufficient explanation in letters sent to the news outlets, but the judge expressed skepticism, noting the letters were sent after the revocation and the lawsuit.
The three outlets had sued the Trump administration on Monday, alleging the ban violated the US Constitution's First Amendment protections for free speech and a free press, as well as their due process rights. They sought a temporary restraining order to reinstate their White House access during the legal challenge.