A federal judge ordered the White House to restore access for CNN, MS NOW and Politico early Thursday. The ruling temporarily blocks President Trump’s ban on the three outlets.
What We Know: Last week, Trump said he’d bar the outlets from the White House over what he called dishonest coverage of him. However, CNN, MS NOW and Politico sued Monday morning. Then, U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly granted a 14-day temporary restraining order shortly after midnight Thursday. Trump nominated Kelly during his first term. Kelly found the outlets will likely win their due process claim because the White House didn’t give notice.
What They Said: “The record lacks factual support for Defendants’ contention that the revocation of Plaintiffs’ hard passes will in fact protect national security or that national security will be endangered if the Court orders their passes reinstated while this litigation proceeds.” -U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Kelly
What Remains Unclear: Kelly hasn’t yet ruled on the outlets’ First Amendment claims. Meanwhile, he’s still weighing longer-lasting relief once the 14-day order expires. Additionally, it’s unclear whether the administration will appeal. Some journalists also couldn’t get onto the grounds early Thursday, so full access isn’t guaranteed yet.
What It Means: Ultimately, the order gives the outlets immediate relief in a high-profile fight over press access. Moreover, the ruling suggests courts will closely examine credential revocations that skip notice. For now, reporters from all three outlets should be able to return to work, but the larger legal fight isn’t over.
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