Trump Administration Defends White House Press Ban in Court

A federal judge in Washington heard arguments Wednesday in a lawsuit filed by CNN, MSNBC, and Politico challenging the Trump administration's decision to revoke their White House press credentials without prior notice. The outlets sued after President Trump announced on September 18 that he was immediately blocking their access, accusing them of spreading false information. Their lawyer argued the move was retaliation for negative coverage, not a national security matter, while the administration maintains that White House access is a privilege, not a right. Judge Timothy Kelly promised a ruling as soon as possible, though he expressed skepticism about the lack of prior notification. The White House has offered the outlets a chance to contest their exclusion, and the administration has indicated it will appeal any unfavorable decision.