A federal judge early Thursday ordered the White House to immediately restore access for CNN, MS NOW and Politico under a 14-day temporary restraining order.
U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly found the outlets were likely to succeed on their claim that their hard passes were revoked without constitutionally adequate due process. The judge found the outlets did not receive notice or an opportunity to be heard before their credentials were revoked last week.
Trump announced the ban Friday on Truth Social, citing the outlets’ “constant ‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS.” The White House later sent letters citing national security concerns, accusing the outlets of publishing sensitive security information and misinformation, and referencing specific articles.
Kelly expressed skepticism that national security concerns motivated the revocation, noting that Trump’s initial announcement focused on the outlets’ negative and false reporting.
Despite Kelly’s order, a POLITICO reporter was denied entry to the White House on Thursday, and his press credentials were confiscated. MS NOW and CNN also said their reporters were denied entry.
