Judge blocks Trump's White House ban on CNN, MS NOW, Politico

Judge orders immediate reinstatement of press credentials

A US federal judge has ordered President Donald Trump to immediately reinstate White House press credentials for journalists from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico. The ruling, issued on Thursday, blocks the administration's ban on the three outlets, which was announced on Friday.

US District Judge Timothy J Kelly issued a temporary restraining order, stating that the news organizations were likely to prevail in their legal challenge. The judge found that the outlets were stripped of their credentials without due process and were likely to suffer 'irreparable harm' as a result.

Kelly, a Trump appointee, ruled that the government's claim that the ban was necessary for national security lacked 'factual support.' He ordered the White House to 'immediately return, reinstate, and restore' the outlets' access pending further court proceedings.

Legal challenge cites violation of due process and free speech

The three news organizations filed a joint lawsuit arguing that the ban violated their free speech and due process rights. Their lawyer, Theodore Boutrous, welcomed the ruling as a vindication of the 'freedom of the press, due process and the rule of law.'

In his ruling, Judge Kelly emphasized the public interest in maintaining access to a free press. He noted that the outlets had made a convincing case that they were denied access without proper legal justification.

The Trump administration had defended the ban, stating that the outlets produced 'negative news' and sought to 'diminish' his administration. However, the judge rejected the government's argument that the reporting damaged national security, noting a lack of supporting evidence.

Media solidarity and Trump's response

The ban sparked a wave of solidarity among other news organizations. The top five US broadcasters, including Fox, halted their pool coverage of the White House in protest. The White House Correspondents' Association and nearly 50 other news organizations also filed a brief supporting the outlets.

President Trump has long attacked media outlets that air critical coverage of his campaigns and administrations, frequently referring to the press as the 'enemy of the people.' He has launched a slew of attacks on the media during his presidency.

In response to the legal setback, the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The judge's order is in effect for 14 days, pending further court hearings on the case.

Sources and context

aljazeera.com — US judge blocks Trump’s White House ban on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico

france24.com — US judge lifts Trump’s White House ban on CNN, MS NOW, Politico