Federal judge temporarily halts Trump’s ban of CNN, MS NOW and Politico from White House

The judge ordered the outlets’ credentials restored for 14 days, finding they are likely to succeed on their due process claim.

A federal judge temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s White House press ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico on Thursday, ordering officials to restore their journalists’ credentials after a legal challenge and NABJ’s condemnation.

But Politico and MS NOW journalists were still denied entry Thursday morning, CBS News reported.

U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly’s order lasts 14 days. He found the outlets were likely to succeed in showing that officials revoked their press passes without the notice and opportunity to respond required by due process.

The decision provides temporary relief while the lawsuit continues. It does not resolve the outlets’ broader First Amendment challenge to being excluded because of their coverage.

Trump announced the White House press ban Sept. 18, accusing the organizations of publishing false reports. Journalists subsequently had their credentials deactivated or confiscated, and the outlets sued Sept. 21.

The administration defended the press access restrictions by arguing that the reporting raised national security concerns and violated standards of professionalism. Government lawyers maintained that entry to the White House was a privilege.

Kelly found little evidence supporting the national security justification. He noted that Trump initially focused on negative and allegedly untruthful coverage, and that the administration’s stated standards did not adequately explain what conduct would warrant losing a press pass.

The dispute prompted the National Association of Black Journalists to warn against using access to reward favorable reporting or punish scrutiny. NABJ President Errin Haines emphasized that journalists must be able to question officials on the public’s behalf.

MS NOW correspondent Akayla Gardner had described being stopped at the White House after her badge was disabled. An officer requested her badge and told her the decision was above him, she said.

The ban also disrupted pooled television coverage of the president, with major networks suspending participation after CNN was excluded.

Kelly directed officials to restore the outlets’ credentials immediately. He will set an expedited briefing schedule to consider a longer-lasting preliminary injunction.