Journalists for CNN, MS Now and Politico allowed back into the White House after judge’s ruling
News Source
•Thu, 24 Sep 2026 17:51:07 GMT
📰 What Happened
Journalists from CNN, MS Now and Politico were allowed back into the White House on Thursday, hours after a judge ordered it. Earlier in the day, some had been turned away.
US district judge Timothy Kelly issued the order early in the morning. He said the White House must restore the reporters' press passes for 14 days. The order is only temporary.
Lawyers for the three outlets said the White House had already broken the order. Secret Service agents took the badges of some reporters who had not lost them before.
🔍 The Backstory
President Donald Trump ordered the three outlets banned on Saturday over what he called their fake news reporting. The outlets sued straight away. The ban drew criticism from press freedom groups.
Justice Department lawyers said the ban was needed for national security. The judge disagreed, saying the reporters were never given proper notice or a chance to reply.
He also said national security did not look like the real reason, pointing to Trump's own comments. A hearing on a longer order will be held within the 14 days.
🎯 Why It Matters
The case is about whether a government can punish reporters whose coverage it dislikes. The result could affect how freely the press can question people in power.
Journalists from CNN, MS Now and Politico were allowed back into the White House on Thursday, hours after a judge ordered it. Earlier in the day, some had been turned away.
US district judge Timothy Kelly issued the order early in the morning. He said the White House must restore the reporters' press passes for 14 days. The order is only temporary.
Lawyers for the three outlets said the White House had already broken the order. Secret Service agents took the badges of some reporters who had not lost them before.
President Donald Trump ordered the three outlets banned on Saturday over what he called their fake news reporting. The outlets sued straight away. The ban drew criticism from press freedom groups.
Justice Department lawyers said the ban was needed for national security. The judge disagreed, saying the reporters were never given proper notice or a chance to reply.
He also said national security did not look like the real reason, pointing to Trump's own comments. A hearing on a longer order will be held within the 14 days.
The case is about whether a government can punish reporters whose coverage it dislikes. The result could affect how freely the press can question people in power.