U.S. Judge Orders Trump Administration to Restore White House Press Access
A U.S. federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore press access for major news outlets to the White House, ruling that the ban likely violates the First Amendment.
A federal judge in the United States ordered the administration of President Donald Trump to restore press credentials for CNN, MS NOW, and Politico at the White House while a lawsuit filed against the president proceeds. U.S. District Judge Tim Kelly ruled that the restrictions likely violate the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
First Amendment and Retaliation Claims
Judge Kelly, who was appointed by Trump during his first term, wrote that the president's own statements demonstrated a causal link between the journalists' protected speech and the revocation of their hard passes. He noted that the administration targeted the outlets because the president believed their coverage was biased and inaccurate, constituting unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination.
The court found no evidence that national security concerns motivated the restrictions, dismissing arguments raised by the Department of Justice regarding reporting on foreign policy and domestic affairs.
Rejection of National Security Arguments
The judge rejected claims by the Justice Department that national security considerations played a role in the decision. Trump has repeatedly defended the ban implemented in September, arguing that the coverage from the affected outlets was negative and partisan. Media representatives countered that the move created a chilling effect on the broader press corps.
