CNN, MS NOW and Politico ask judge to keep Trump White House ban blocked

WASHINGTON, Oct 9 — Three major media outlets, CNN, MS NOW and Politico, have asked a federal judge to extend their access to the White House, which President Donald Trump attempted to ban on September 18. District Judge Timothy Kelly temporarily granted the media organizations access to the White House last month and indicated he intended to issue a decision by Tuesday.

Trump barred the three outlets for distributing what he called "fake news" and "fiction and lies." The media entities filed a joint lawsuit to seek a temporary restraining order, claiming the ban violates the First Amendment of the US Constitution. CNN, MS NOW and Politico argued in court that Trump's decision was based on perceived negative reporting and a desire for more positive press coverage.

They fear that having their press passes revoked could chill scrutiny of his policies and endanger national security. The Justice Department attorney, however, argued that the media organizations were violating journalistic standards and endangering national security by potentially revealing classified information. The judge, who was appointed by Trump, previously ruled that the ban likely violated the media outlets' constitutional due process rights.

During the hearing, the judge questioned the Justice Department attorney about the potential violation of journalistic standards when portraying the administration negatively. Following the judge's order, the media outlets were granted access to the White House grounds and the briefing room but have been barred from the Oval Office and Air Force One.

The five major US broadcasters temporarily halted pool coverage of the White House in solidarity with CNN, MS NOW and Politico.