Judge extends White House access for CNN, MS NOW, Politico amid legal fight

In the ongoing legal dispute over press freedom, a federal judge has extended access to the White House for journalists from CNN, MSNBC and Politico, ruling that President Donald Trump likely violated the law when he attempted to ban them. US District Judge Timothy Kelly's decision came in response to the journalists' lawsuit accusing Trump of unconstitutional retaliation for unfavorable coverage.

The judge's ruling, issued on Tuesday, follows his emergency order from September 24 reinstating access to the journalists on a temporary basis. The extension will remain in effect until the judge issues a final judgment in the lawsuit, unless an appeals court lifts the order. Past presidents have clashed with the media, but Trump's campaign against the press has been unprecedented, denying access to major news organizations, attacking journalists, and filing lawsuits against outlets.

The Justice Department has defended the ban, arguing it is necessary for national security due to the outlets' alleged publication of classified information. The journalists argue the ban is unlawful retaliation for their coverage and violate their First Amendment rights and due process rights. The ruling comes just weeks before the November 3 US midterm elections, during which Trump's Republican party is seeking to maintain control of Congress, amid concerns over inflation and the Iran war.