CNN, MS NOW, and Politico Regain White House Access

Amid Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the White House, a legal dispute over press access gained prominence. The Donald Trump administration had revoked the press credentials of CNN, MS NOW, and Politico, claiming that these outlets' coverage was “fake” and detrimental to national security. However, a federal judge, Timothy Kelly, ruled that the revocation occurred without due constitutional process, ordering the temporary restoration of the credentials.

Court Decision Reverses Exclusion

Judge Kelly pointed out that the revocation of the credentials was done without “due constitutional process.” He noted that the outlets received neither notification nor an opportunity to contest the decision before their credentials were withdrawn. The judge also expressed skepticism regarding the national security argument presented by the administration, citing that the record did not demonstrate the revocation was motivated by this concern.

Access Restored on Thursday Morning

Despite the court order, White House security police blocked reporters on Thursday morning. It was only after the outlets filed a new request for a hearing that the administration responded, stating that the credentials had been reinstated. Subsequently, CNN, MS NOW, and Politico were able to enter the complex, although some members were initially denied entry.

Impact on Presidential Coverage

The decision has direct implications for the coverage of presidential events. CNN, which was part of the television “pool” that records the president's sessions, will be able to resume live coverage. The television networks that make up the pool, including ABC, CBS, Fox News, NBC, and CNN, had announced they would not cover the president's speeches while the dispute continued.

Press Community Reaction

The press community reacted in solidarity with the affected outlets. In a joint statement, ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News, and NBC affirmed that “the public has a vital interest in receiving accurate and independent information about its government.” The White House Correspondents’ Association and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press filed petitions with the court, requesting the reversal of the exclusion.

Next Legal Steps

The temporary restraining order remains in effect for 14 days while the case continues. The parties are presenting additional arguments and documents to the judge. A final decision is still pending, but the judge has already laid out a plan for the next two weeks, during which the outlets and the administration will continue to present arguments and evidence.

With information from CNN, Yahoo, Freedom of the Press Foundation.