Federal judge Timothy Kelly ordered the White House to immediately restore press access for CNN, MS NOW, and Politico, ruling that revoking their credentials without prior notice likely violated First Amendment protections guaranteeing freedom of the press. The decision requires the executive branch to return press badges to the outlets’ correspondents while the legal challenge proceeds.
The Legal Ruling and Constitutional Grounds
Judge Timothy Kelly stated in his written opinion that the executive branch overstepped by stripping the outlets of their credentials on September 18 without giving them a chance to be heard. “The general rule wants that individuals must be previously notified and have the opportunity to be heard before the government deprives them of an interest protected by the Constitution,” the magistrate wrote. Theodore Boutrous, the attorney representing the three media organizations, called the decision a major victory for the rule of law and due process in a statement to AFP.
Origins of the White House Ban
President Donald Trump announced the immediate block on access for CNN, MS NOW, and Politico, accusing them of spreading false information. In response, the media organizations filed a lawsuit claiming a direct assault on the First Amendment. The Department of Justice defended the move in court documents by arguing that access to the White House is a privilege rather than a right, and suggested national security concerns justified the ban. However, Judge Kelly rejected that defense, noting that nothing in the record indicated national security motivated the revocations.
Did You Know?
This is not the first time the Trump administration has faced legal pushback over media credentials. During his first presidential term, a CNN journalist had their badge restored after a twelve-day legal battle.
Solidarity Among the Press Pool
The sudden eviction of CNN triggered a broader industry protest when four other members of the White House television pool—CBS, ABC, NBC, and Fox—chose to halt their participation in the shared broadcast system. During the third day of the blackout, major networks declined to air live footage of President Trump welcoming Chinese President Xi Jinping near Washington. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice maintains that the president holds sole discretion over who enters specific areas of the White House, mirroring arguments previously used against the Associated Press in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were CNN, MS NOW, and Politico barred from the White House?
President Donald Trump blocked their access, accusing the outlets of publishing negative coverage and false information, specifically citing reports on military munitions and bunker construction projects.
What did the federal judge decide?
Judge Timothy Kelly ruled that the sudden ban violated constitutional due process rights, requiring the White House to immediately return press badges to the affected journalists.
Can the White House appeal the judge’s order?
While President Trump indicated on Truth Social that he intends to appeal, Judge Kelly noted in his decision that temporary restraining orders are generally not appealable.
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