A US federal judge on Wednesday, September 24, 2026, ordered President Donald Trump to immediately restore access for journalists from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico to the White House. District Judge Timothy J. Kelly deemed the presidential measure unconstitutional and a violation of press freedom.
The 14-day temporary restraining order compels the Trump administration to return press credentials revoked around September 18. Kelly prohibited the enforcement of the restriction during this period while the lawsuit proceeds, citing probable violations of the First Amendment and due process, as the outlets received no prior notice or opportunity to defend themselves.
The ban, which Trump justified by citing "fake news," was challenged by the three news organizations in a joint lawsuit. The judge rejected the Justice Department's "national security" claim due to a lack of factual support and cited a 1977 precedent that prevents arbitrary denial of press passes based on coverage content.
