CNN, MS NOW, Politico ask judge to extend block on White House ban

Three prominent news organizations - CNN, MSNBC and Politico - have petitioned a federal judge to extend a temporary injunction preserving their access to the White House. The request comes as they fight President Donald Trump's decision to ban their coverage due to content the president deems unfavorable.

The outlets sought a preliminary injunction from a Washington, D.C. federal court judge to block Trump's restrictions on their access, citing potential violations of their constitutional rights to fair legal treatment. US District Judge Timothy Kelly had previously granted a 14-day restraining order against the bans, arguing they likely infringed on the outlets' rights.

Despite the order, CNN announced on Friday it would not be allowed to accompany President Trump on Air Force One for his upcoming weekend trip to Tennessee. The plaintiffs' legal filing referenced this incident to demonstrate the "White House has persisted in unpredictably and inconsistently" enforcing the ban, raising concerns about its stability.

The judge's order to maintain the outlets' White House access is set to expire on October 8. In their September 21 lawsuit, the media organizations alleged Trump's bans constituted unlawful viewpoint discrimination under the First Amendment, which guarantees free speech and press freedoms.

The Justice Department contended that Trump lawfully banned the outlets after evaluating their coverage as a threat to national security by potentially exposing classified information. Trump had responded to the allegations on social media, accusing the outlets of "reporting FAKE NEWS" and claiming they shouldn't be able to publish "FICTION and LIES."

Throughout his presidency, Trump has often been at odds with the media, even filing lawsuits against outlets like the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and BBC for alleged defamation. The Trump administration has until Friday to respond to the outlets' Monday filing, according to CNN.