Federal judge restores White House press access for CNN, MSNBC, and Politico after Trump ban

A federal judge ordered White House press access temporarily restored for CNN, MSNBC, and Politico reporters, delivering a legal setback to President Donald Trump. The 14-day restraining order was issued by U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly, a Trump appointee. Judge Kelly ruled the outlets showed a high likelihood of success in arguing their credentials were revoked without due process, violating First and Fifth Amendment rights. The White House had claimed the ban was lawful, citing national security concerns over alleged falsehoods and classified information publication. The administration argued the outlets endangered national security by "trafficking in verifiable falsehoods," though no U.S. law criminalizes journalists obtaining or publishing such material. The broader legal challenge continues, but reporters have returned to the building for now.