White House Grants Temporary Access to Three Media Outlets

October 8, New York (AP) — A U.S. federal judge has issued an order temporarily blocking the Trump administration’s ban on CNN, MSNBC, and Politico journalists from entering the White House, directing that their access be reinstated. The order, issued by U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly, will remain in effect for 14 days. He noted that the media outlets have met the necessary legal criteria for obtaining a temporary restraining order, highlighting that the ban could cause irreparable harm to the media organizations.

All three media outlets had claimed they were targeted due to the subject matter of their reporting, arguing that the ban violated their First Amendment right to press freedom under the U.S. Constitution. Judge Kelly also questioned whether the administration followed proper legal procedures before denying the journalists entry. President Trump had imposed the ban, accusing the outlets of disseminating “fake news.” However, the administration maintained that the restrictions were based not on content but on reasons related to national security.

During the hearing, media attorney Theodore Boutrous Jr. argued that cutting off access during critical news moments would cause irreparable damage. Government attorney Michael Belchik countered, emphasizing that the decision over who may enter the White House rests with the president, stating, “Access to the White House is a privilege, not a right.” President Trump appointed Judge Kelly as a federal judge in 2017. Previously, Judge Kelly had also ordered the reinstatement of White House access for CNN journalist Jim Acosta.