Justice Department defends Trump media ban as national security measure

The Justice Department on Tuesday defended President Trump's decision to bar CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, arguing in a court filing that their reporting raises national security concerns and that their journalists failed to act with "professionalism and decorum." The administration claimed access to the White House is a privilege, not a right, and that the ban complies with the First Amendment due to compelling reasons, including enforcing press standards and protecting classified information. The White House sent letters to the outlets notifying them of the revocation and gave them until Friday to respond. The three news organizations sued Trump and top aides on Monday, alleging the ban violates due process and the First Amendment by discriminating based on editorial viewpoint. A hearing is set for Wednesday afternoon before Judge Timothy Kelly, who previously ruled in favor of CNN reporter Jim Acosta in a similar case during Trump's first term.