Federal judge weighs restoring White House access for CNN, MSNBC, and Politico

A US federal judge held a hearing Wednesday on a request by CNN, MSNBC, and Politico to restore their White House access after President Donald Trump revoked their credentials on Friday, punishing them for what he called "fake news." The outlets seek a temporary restraining order, arguing the ban violates the First Amendment's free press guarantee. Their journalists were denied White House entry Saturday and had passes confiscated. The Justice Department countered that White House access is a "privilege -- not a right," while the White House accused the outlets of publishing falsehoods and sensitive information. Judge Timothy Kelly, a Trump appointee, previously ordered the White House to restore a CNN correspondent's access during Trump's first term. In solidarity, five major broadcasters halted pool coverage Monday. Trump also suggested CNN shouldn't cover him elsewhere, and the White House launched a streaming channel, "Trump TV," amid his record-low approval ratings.