Story perspectives

Judge Restores CNN, Politico Hard-Pass Credentials for 14 Days

By Drooid · Oct 1, 2026, 10:37 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Judge Timothy Kelly issued a 14-day temporary restraining order restoring CNN, MS NOW and Politico hard-pass credentials.
The White House announced it will exclude CNN from Thursday’s Texas-Oklahoma television pool despite the court order.
CNN, MS NOW and Politico filed a brief seeking a preliminary injunction to block any further hard-pass revocations.
The Justice Department’s response brief is due by Friday.

History

Historical Context

The 1971 Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in New York Times Co. v. United States that the Nixon administration could not impose prior restraint on the Pentagon Papers, affirming First-Amendment press rights. That precedent resurfaces as the 2024 White House defies a judge’s restraining order on CNN, MS NOW and Politico credentials, reviving the long-standing clash over government access.

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Story summary

Judge Timothy Kelly issued a 14-day temporary restraining order restoring CNN, MS NOW and Politico hard-pass credentials.
The White House announced it will exclude CNN from Thursday’s Texas-Oklahoma television pool despite the court order.
CNN, MS NOW and Politico filed a brief seeking a preliminary injunction to block any further hard-pass revocations.
The Justice Department’s response brief is due by Friday.

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