Story perspectives

Judge Orders DOJ Response in Trump Media Access Ban Case

By Drooid · Sep 23, 2026, 4:57 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump barred CNN, MSNBC and Politico from White House grounds on Friday.
CNN, MSNBC and Politico sued the administration on Monday in Washington, D.C., alleging First Amendment violations.
Judge Timothy Kelly ordered a DOJ response by Tuesday and scheduled a 3:30 p.m. ET Wednesday hearing.
Trump posted on Truth Social that the ban targets “fake news” and threatens national security, without evidence.

History

Historical Context

In June 1971 the Supreme Court issued a 6-3 decision in New York Times Co. v. United States, rejecting the Nixon administration’s effort to enjoin the Pentagon Papers and affirming First-Amendment protection against prior restraint. Today, Judge Timothy Kelly has ordered the Justice Department to answer lawsuits over former President Donald Trump’s ban on CNN, MSNBC and Politico, reviving the 1971 press-freedom clash.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump barred CNN, MSNBC and Politico from White House grounds on Friday.
CNN, MSNBC and Politico sued the administration on Monday in Washington, D.C., alleging First Amendment violations.
Judge Timothy Kelly ordered a DOJ response by Tuesday and scheduled a 3:30 p.m. ET Wednesday hearing.
Trump posted on Truth Social that the ban targets “fake news” and threatens national security, without evidence.

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