A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to reinstate White House access for journalists from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico after the outlets were banned earlier this month. The ruling, issued on Thursday by US District Judge Timothy Kelly, temporarily blocked the revocation of the reporters’ press credentials, citing likely violations of constitutional due process and First Amendment protections.

The ban, announced by former President Donald Trump last Friday via social media, targeted the three news organizations over what he described as their “constant ‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS” and purportedly unfair coverage of his administration. The White House justified the revocations by citing national security concerns, pointing to news articles on topics including the construction of the White House ballroom, munitions shortages related to the Iran conflict, and an alleged FBI investigation involving a reporter.

Judge Kelly, a Trump appointee, issued a 14-day temporary restraining order requiring the administration to immediately restore press passes to the affected journalists. In his ruling, the judge emphasized that the government must provide notice and an opportunity to be heard before depriving individuals of constitutionally protected interests such as press access. He also expressed skepticism about the national security rationale offered for the ban, noting the lack of factual support and highlighting that the president’s initial statements focused on the outlets’ alleged negativity and perceived lack of truthfulness.

Following the order, journalists from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico initially faced difficulties entering the White House, with some reporters reporting being turned away and their credentials confiscated. The news organizations’ legal teams accused the White House of repeatedly violating the court’s directive, prompting a request for an emergency hearing. Later on Thursday, the administration acknowledged the order and began restoring media access, with press passes made available for pick-up and journalists granted entry by early afternoon.

Lawyers for the news outlets argued that while the president may freely criticize the press, he cannot use governmental power to suppress coverage that he finds unfavorable. Theodore Boutrous Jr., representing the three organizations, described the ruling as a strong affirmation of press freedom, due process, and the rule of law. In contrast, Justice Department attorney Michael Velchik maintained that access to the White House is a privilege rather than a constitutional right and that the president had personally decided to revoke the outlets’ credentials.

The dispute highlights an ongoing and contentious relationship between the Trump administration and the media, with critics warning that such bans could undermine First Amendment protections and set troubling precedents for press freedom. The judge scheduled an expedited hearing to consider a preliminary injunction that could extend the reinstatement beyond the two-week period.

Meanwhile, with the three outlets temporarily sidelined, smaller conservative media organizations announced plans to provide alternative coverage of White House events, underscoring the changing dynamics in presidential press access and pooling arrangements. President Trump indicated on social media that the administration may appeal the ruling, signaling continued legal and political battles ahead as the midterm elections approach.