Federal judge orders White House to restore press credentials for CNN, MSNBC, and Politico

A US federal judge ordered the Trump administration on Thursday to immediately restore White House press access for CNN, MS NOW, and Politico, issuing a temporary restraining order that remains in effect for 14 days. Judge Kelly ruled that the outlets' employees must have their credentials reinstated, citing constitutional protections requiring notice and a hearing before deprivation. The judge expressed skepticism that national security was the actual motivation for the bans, calling the cited stories "routine," and noted the order cannot be immediately appealed. The White House had argued access is a privilege, not a right, accusing the outlets of publishing falsehoods and sensitive information. The bans followed Saturday's pass confiscations, with major broadcasters halting pool coverage in solidarity and nearly 50 news organizations filing briefs supporting the outlets.