Why did Xi and China’s first lady bring their own flasks to White House banquet?

On Thursday, CNN, MSNBC, and Politico regained access to the White House following a federal judge's order, six days after President Donald Trump had banned the three news organizations. District Judge Timothy Kelly ruled that the White House's action violated the journalists' constitutional due process rights. Initially, Secret Service agents refused entry to reporters from CNN, MSNBC, and Politico arriving early for Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit, but they were permitted to enter around midday.

Fellow journalists from other outlets filmed MSNBC reporter Betsy Klein as she reported live upon her return. Judge Kelly criticized the White House's decision, stating that individuals typically receive notice and a chance to be heard before losing a constitutionally protected interest. Despite gaining access earlier in the day, CNN reported later that the White House had denied two of its journalists from covering Xi Jinping's arrival at the White House for a state dinner.

The cable network also claimed that MSNBC journalists were denied access to the event. President Trump had previously barred CNN, MSNBC, and Politico from the White House for distributing what he called "fake news" and "fiction and lies." The Trump administration argued that controlling press access to restricted areas, such as the Oval Office, was within the president's authority.

The Department of Justice maintained that access to the White House was a privilege, not a right. The White House Press Office accused the three news organizations of spreading false information related to national security and other sensitive matters. Judge Kelly expressed skepticism about the White House's stated motivation for revoking the journalists' passes, emphasizing the importance of accurate, independent information to the public.