Judge Restores Press Credentials, but White House Defies Ruling for CNN, MSNBC, Politico

A federal judge ordered the White House to temporarily restore press credentials for CNN, MSNOW, and Politico, but the Trump administration defied the ruling by blocking the outlets' journalists from entering the premises on Thursday morning. The three news organizations have now requested an emergency hearing over the White House's noncompliance. Judge Timothy Kelly issued a 14-day temporary restraining order after the outlets sued, arguing their exclusion was viewpoint discrimination violating the First Amendment. Kelly questioned whether the administration had provided due process, noting journalists have a right to be heard before credentials are revoked. The White House had banned the outlets on September 18, labeling them "fake news media." This is not the first such case for Kelly, a Trump appointee who in 2018 restored CNN reporter Jim Acosta's credentials. In solidarity, other networks including NBC, CBS, and Fox News have withdrawn from the White House press pool that covers the president.