CNN, MS NOW and Politico have regained access to the White House after a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore their press credentials, six days after President Donald Trump barred the three outlets.
US District Judge Timothy Kelly ruled that the outlets’ journalists had likely been denied their constitutional due process rights when their White House access was revoked. He issued a 14-day temporary restraining order requiring the administration to restore their credentials while the legal challenge continues.
Reporters from the three organisations initially encountered difficulties returning to the White House on Thursday, with some turned away by the Secret Service despite the judge’s order. The outlets subsequently sought an emergency hearing, before the journalists were allowed onto the White House grounds around midday.
CNN correspondent Betsy Klein resumed reporting from the White House after regaining access, while journalists from other news organisations gathered around the CNN tent on the White House driveway and welcomed her back.
In his ruling, Kelly said the government generally must provide notice and an opportunity to be heard before depriving individuals of a constitutionally protected interest.
Trump had barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House on September 18, accusing the organisations of publishing what he described as “fake news” and “fiction and lies.” The three outlets subsequently filed a joint lawsuit challenging the ban.
The White House and the Department of Justice had argued that the President has authority to control reporters’ access to restricted areas of the White House.
The Justice Department maintained that “Access to the White House is a privilege — not a right.”
The White House Press Office also accused CNN and the other outlets of publishing false or sensitive information relating to national security.
A letter to CNN cited reports concerning the US-Iran war and a report about plans for a military bunker beneath a proposed East Wing ballroom, which the White House alleged disclosed sensitive construction details.
Kelly, however, questioned whether national security was the actual reason for revoking the journalists’ credentials, according to the ruling.
The dispute has also affected the White House television press pool. Major US broadcasters had suspended pooled coverage in solidarity with CNN, saying the public has an interest in receiving independent information about the government.
The return of the three outlets came as Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Trump at the White House, adding to the significance of the dispute over media access.