Federal judge calls for temporary lifting of White House ban against CNN, MS NOW and Politico

A federal judge has mandated the Trump administration to temporarily reinstate press access for CNN, MSNBC, and Politico journalists, arguing the ban on the outlets is likely unconstitutional. US District Judge Tim Kelly's order followed a lawsuit filed by the news organizations challenging the September 18 ban announced by President Trump.

The judge ordered the immediate return of the outlets' press passes and issued a temporary restraining order effective for 14 days. Such orders aim to preserve the status quo pending a thorough court review. Earlier in the week, Kelly cited past legal precedents demanding journalists receive advance notification of revocation before suspension or revocation.

The Justice Department argued the revocation was justified by a sufficient explanation in letters sent to the outlets, though the judge expressed skepticism due to the timing of the letters. Trump had claimed the outlets were spreading "FICTION and LIES," and the Justice Department had cited national security reasons for the ban.

The news organizations sued Trump and his administration in federal court, contending the ban violated the First Amendment's protection of free speech and a free press, as well as their due process rights. The Justice Department countered that access to the White House is a privilege, not a right, and that the president can suspend access by news organizations.

Supportive legal briefs were filed by a coalition of press freedom groups and major news outlets, asserting that revoking journalists' rights due to perceived editorial views contravenes decades of Supreme Court rulings.