Judge restores CNN, MS NOW, Politico access to White House, White House to appeal
The short version
A federal judge ordered the White House to restore press access for CNN, MS NOW and Politico after a September ban. The White House has said it will appeal the ruling.
A federal judge ordered the White House to restore access for CNN, MS NOW and Politico.2,1 The judge found the restrictions likely violated the outlets' First Amendment rights.1 The judge also found the restrictions likely violated the outlets' Fifth Amendment rights.1
The order was a preliminary injunction that extended a September temporary restraining order.1 The judge was appointed by President Donald Trump.1 The White House had previously deactivated or confiscated the outlets' credentials.2
White House officials said they would appeal the ruling.1 A White House official said the outlets were "fake news" and that they had no place demanding a spot in the Oval Office.1 The judge's decision was based on the fact that the restrictions were motivated by objections to the outlets' coverage rather than national security concerns.1
The lawsuit remains pending while the preliminary injunction keeps the outlets' credentials in place.1 The judge's order was issued on Tuesday night.1 The White House had banned the outlets in September after criticizing their reporting.1
“The Fake News has no place demanding a spot in the President’s Oval Office. The lies they smear are a disservice to the American public and tear at the very fabric of our Democracy. They’re completely capable of reporting from directly outside. We intend to appeal this misguided decision.”
Why it matters
White House press credentials are a privilege that allows journalists to cover the president and the administration.2
In September, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order that blocked the outlets from accessing the White House.1
The First Amendment protects freedom of the press, and the Fifth Amendment protects due process rights.1
This account was written from the 2 reports listed below, filed by 2 independent outlets, and checked against them line by line. It is not a copy of any one of them. Spotted an error? Tell us.
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