The White House said it restored access for journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico after a federal judge ordered their press passes returned and suspended the ban for 14 days, finding the revocations likely violated constitutional due-process rights.
The outlets sued Trump and members of his administration, arguing the ban violated First Amendment protections for speech and the press, as well as due process. Judge Tim Kelly rejected the administration’s national-security justification, finding the record did not show that revoking the passes would protect security or restoring them during the case would endanger it. The Justice Department had cited coverage of US missile stockpiles, construction of Trump’s White House ballroom and turnout at a recent Republican midterm convention.
Hours after the overnight ruling, the outlets told Kelly they remained blocked and sought an emergency hearing. White House press operations director Micah Stopperich said badge reinstatement began at 7:25 a.m. and badges were left at the gate around 9:55; Kelly denied the request after that filing but allowed later updates. A source familiar with the TV press pool said coverage would not resume until CNN was formally reinstated to the pool. No TV pool cameras were set up for Xi Jinping’s arrival that morning, and CNN, MS NOW and Fox News did not air the ceremony live.
