Washington, September 24 (TNA) A US district judge has ordered the Trump administration to immediately restore White House access for journalists from CNN, MS NOW, formerly MSNBC, and Politico. The ruling is a setback for President Donald Trump, who had barred the three news organisations from the White House complex.
US District Judge Timothy Kelly said the ban was likely unconstitutional and ordered the administration to reinstate the journalists’ revoked White House “hard pass” press credentials. His temporary restraining order will remain in effect for 14 days while the court considers the wider legal challenge.
The three media organisations had filed a lawsuit after their reporters were denied access to the White House and their credentials were confiscated. They alleged that the administration’s action violated the First Amendment and amounted to retaliation over their coverage of the Trump administration.
Judge Kelly said the administration had not provided sufficient factual support for its argument that revoking the press passes was necessary to protect national security. He also noted that the credentials appeared to have been cancelled without adequate due process.
The judge was appointed to the federal bench by Trump in 2017. He had previously ordered the restoration of a CNN reporter’s White House press access during Trump’s first term, citing due-process concerns.
The ruling does not finally resolve the case. The White House may challenge the order, while the court is expected to hear further arguments on whether the media restrictions should remain blocked for a longer period.