DOJ: White House press access is a privilege, not a right, citing security

The Trump administration told a federal court that the president can bar reporters from the White House based on their reporting, citing national security as justification for revoking press passes from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico. The Justice Department argued that White House access is a "privilege, not a right," and that First Amendment protections do not guarantee journalists entry. It cited two reasons for the restrictions: enforcing professionalism standards and protecting classified information, claiming the outlets' reporting threatened national security. The three news organizations are suing to restore their access, arguing retaliation. An emergency hearing before Judge Timothy Kelly will determine if access is restored while the broader legal fight proceeds.