Story perspectives

Judge Restores CNN, MSNBC, Politico White House Press Passes

By Drooid · Oct 3, 2026, 4:17 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Trump bans press

U.S. President Donald Trump banned CNN, MS NOW and Politico from White House grounds on Sept. 18, 2026.
U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly issued a temporary restraining order on Sept. 24, 2026, restoring the press passes.
The outlets argue the ban violates their First Amendment and Fifth Amendment due-process rights.
The outlets are seeking a preliminary injunction to keep their reporters on White House grounds while litigation continues.

Summary

Scalise links ban

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise linked President Donald Trump’s White House press ban to Biden’s 2023 credential changes.
ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News and NBC suspended White House pool coverage in solidarity.
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and 50 outlets sued to restore the three networks’ White House access.
NABJ President Errin Haines said the government must not reward or punish journalists based on coverage.

History

Historical Context

In June 1971, the Nixon administration sought a court injunction to stop The New York Times from publishing the 7,000-page Pentagon Papers. The Supreme Court, in New York Times Co. v. United States, rejected the request by a 6-3 vote on June 30, 1971, establishing a presumption against prior restraint. That precedent underpins challenges to executive attempts to bar CNN and Politico from White House grounds in September 2026.

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Trump bans press

U.S. President Donald Trump banned CNN, MS NOW and Politico from White House grounds on Sept. 18, 2026.
U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly issued a temporary restraining order on Sept. 24, 2026, restoring the press passes.
The outlets argue the ban violates their First Amendment and Fifth Amendment due-process rights.
The outlets are seeking a preliminary injunction to keep their reporters on White House grounds while litigation continues.

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