Judge orders White House press access restored for CNN, Politico, MS NOW

Key facts

• A federal judge ordered President Donald Trump to restore White House press access for CNN, Politico, and MS NOW.
• US District Judge Timothy Kelly found the ban likely unconstitutional, citing lack of national security justification and due process violations.
• The judge issued a 14-day temporary restraining order reinstating press credentials for the three news organizations.
• CNN, Politico, and MS NOW asked the judge to hold an emergency follow-up hearing after the administration did not comply with the order.
• Some reporters from CNN, Politico, and MS Now were denied White House entry on Thursday morning, with some credentials confiscated.
• The White House said on Thursday it has reinstated journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from enforcing its ban on CNN, Politico, and MS NOW reporters at the White House, ordering that the outlets' press credentials be restored while the case proceeds. US District Judge Timothy Kelly granted a 14-day temporary restraining order after the three news organizations argued the White House unlawfully revoked their access.

Judge Kelly stated that the administration's contention that revoking the press passes would protect national security lacked factual support. He also indicated that the ban may violate legal precedents requiring advance notice for journalists. President Donald Trump had announced the ban, accusing the outlets of publishing false reporting. CNN, Politico, and MS NOW subsequently sued, alleging the move violated their First Amendment rights and Fifth Amendment due process protections.

Despite the judge's order, reporters from CNN, Politico, and MS Now reported being denied entry on Thursday morning, with some having their credentials confiscated. Lawyers for the outlets have requested an emergency court hearing, stating the White House "repeatedly violated" the order to restore press access. The White House said on Thursday it has reinstated journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico.