A federal judge is set to hear arguments Wednesday in a lawsuit brought by CNN, MS NOW and Politico challenging President Donald Trump’s decision to bar their journalists from the White House, escalating a dispute over press access and First Amendment protections.
The three news organizations filed their lawsuit Monday in federal court in Washington, D.C., seeking an order restoring their journalists’ White House access while the broader case proceeds. U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly directed the Justice Department to respond to their request for a temporary restraining order and scheduled a videoconference hearing for 3:30 p.m. ET Wednesday.
Trump announced the restrictions Friday, accusing CNN, MS NOW and Politico of publishing false coverage about him. Their journalists were subsequently prevented from entering the White House and had their credentials revoked. The outlets argue the administration retaliated against them because of their reporting and deprived them of access without adequate notice or an opportunity to challenge the decision. Their lawsuit alleges violations of both the First Amendment and constitutional due-process protections.
Trump has defended the move, maintaining that the restrictions target what he calls “fake news” rather than press freedom. The White House has argued that the First Amendment protects an outlet’s ability to publish but does not automatically guarantee a White House hard pass, briefing-room seat or position in the press pool. Trump has also described reporting he considers false or defamatory as a national-security concern.
Wednesday’s proceedings will put the dispute before Kelly, a Trump appointee who previously handled a major White House press-access fight. In 2018, Kelly ordered the administration to temporarily restore CNN correspondent Jim Acosta’s White House credential after it had been revoked following a contentious exchange with Trump.
The current case comes amid broader concern within the U.S. media industry about access to the administration. Several major television networks have responded to the restrictions by declining to participate in certain White House pool arrangements, adding to pressure over how the administration handles journalists and news organizations whose coverage it disputes.
