Trump administration must reinstate press credentials for three outlets after court rules ban likely unconstitutional.
Published
A federal judge ordered the Trump administration on Thursday to immediately restore White House access for journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico, ruling that the presidential directive barring the three outlets last week was most likely unconstitutional. The ruling temporarily blocks senior Trump officials from excluding the journalists and requires their press credentials be reinstated forthwith.
President Donald Trump justified the ban in a social media post on Friday, accusing the outlets of publishing "fake news" and warning that other news organizations could face similar treatment. The judge rejected this rationale, finding the exclusion likely violated constitutional protections for press freedom.
The case represents one of Trump's most significant confrontations with mainstream media since returning to office. The administration had framed the restrictions as responses to biased coverage, though critics characterized the move as an attack on press independence.
Legal observers note the temporary injunction could be appealed, and the administration may seek to implement alternative credentialing restrictions. The judge's ruling emphasized that excluding journalists based on their outlet's editorial stance sets a dangerous precedent for government transparency.
Sources: 1. Financial Times: Judge orders White House to restore banned media’s access — https://www.ft.com/content/72d1df1f-cc71-4e17-a442-0a4201ba41aa?syn-25a6b1a6=1 (src1) 2.