President Donald Trump banned news organizations CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from White House grounds on September 18. The president justified the decision by accusing the outlets of publishing fake news and providing negative coverage of his administration. Trump further claimed that the organizations were in violation of the standards of professionalism and decorum expected at the White House.
The three media outlets challenged the ban in federal court, arguing that the move was an illegal attack on their right to free speech and violated the First Amendment. The US Department of Justice defended the president's actions, arguing that access to the White House is a privilege and not a right. The Justice Department cited national security concerns as a primary motivation for the ban, specifically mentioning reports regarding the Iran war and the White House ballroom.
US District Judge Timothy J. Kelly heard arguments on whether the ban violated the Constitution and expressed skepticism regarding the administration's position. Judge Kelly subsequently issued a temporary 14-day restraining order, ruling that the ban was likely unconstitutional. The judge ordered the Trump administration to immediately restore press credentials and White House access for journalists from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico while their legal challenge proceeds.