White House Bars CNN, MSNBC, Politico Reporters Despite Court Order

CNN, MSNOW and Politico requested an urgent court hearing Thursday after their reporters were denied White House entry despite a judge's order restoring their access. The outlets filed jointly, seeking a videoconference or teleconference hearing "as soon as possible." The denial came hours after US District Judge Timothy Kelly issued a 14-day temporary restraining order requiring the White House to immediately restore the outlets' press credentials. CNN was scheduled to serve as the television press pool for Chinese President Xi Jinping's White House visit Thursday, and a Secret Service agent confiscated hard passes from journalists at all three outlets. The dispute stems from President Donald Trump's decision last week to bar the outlets, citing reporting concerns. The administration defends the restrictions as a privilege, not a right, and may appeal. The Associated Press and other media groups filed an amicus brief supporting the outlets.