Story perspectives

Judge Orders CNN Access to Air Force One, Injunction

By Drooid · Oct 23, 2026, 6:35 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Trump Administration Blocks CNN

President Donald Trump’s administration blocked CNN from Air Force One at least four times since September 18.
CNN attorney Theodore Boutrous demanded written confirmation by Thursday 5 p.m. ET that restrictions end.
U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly issued a preliminary injunction protecting CNN, Politico and MS NOW, citing First Amendment violations.
An appellate panel stayed part of the ruling, stating Oval Office and Air Force One are not First Amendment forums.

Summary

White House Bars CNN

White House official called CNN “Fake News” and said it has no place demanding a spot in the Oval Office.
DOJ did not comment on Boutrous’s letter demanding the White House end CNN’s exclusion.
Press passes for CNN journalists were deactivated the day after the September 18 ban was announced.
Exclusions prevented CNN from covering the UN General Assembly, a Knoxville football game, and trips to Texas and Oklahoma.

History

Historical Context

In June 1971 the Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision authored by Justice Hugo Black, rejected the Nixon administration’s attempt to block the Pentagon Papers, affirming that prior-censorship violates the First Amendment. That precedent underpins today’s lawsuits after the Trump administration barred CNN from Air Force One, echoing past efforts to curb dissenting media.

1 of 3

Trump Administration Blocks CNN

President Donald Trump’s administration blocked CNN from Air Force One at least four times since September 18.
CNN attorney Theodore Boutrous demanded written confirmation by Thursday 5 p.m. ET that restrictions end.
U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly issued a preliminary injunction protecting CNN, Politico and MS NOW, citing First Amendment violations.
An appellate panel stayed part of the ruling, stating Oval Office and Air Force One are not First Amendment forums.

1 / 3