Trump White House Defies Federal Court Order Restoring Press Access for CNN, MS NOW and Politico

Federal District Judge Timothy Kelly ordered the Trump administration to immediately restore White House access for journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico on September 24, ruling that the ban imposed by President Trump on September 18 was likely unconstitutional and that due process had not been followed. Trump had announced the ban accusing the three outlets of publishing false reporting about his administration.

Despite the court order, the White House continued blocking reporters from all three outlets later the same day. MS NOW and Politico reporters were denied entry, and some CNN staff were also unable to gain access after the ruling took effect. The defiance prompted CNN, MS NOW and Politico to file an emergency request with the court for an immediate hearing, citing the White House's continued non-compliance as of the afternoon of September 24.