Court Blocks Trump's Ban on CNN and Politico Access

A U.S. federal judge has blocked President Donald Trump's decision to ban CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from accessing the White House. U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly issued a preliminary injunction, continuing a previous temporary restraining order that halted the ban.

Kelly stated that the news organizations were likely to succeed in their argument that Trump's ban violated their First Amendment right to freedom of the press and their Fifth Amendment right to due process. However, the judge also cautioned that his decision should not be interpreted as dismissing concerns about reporting accuracy or the government's ability to protect national security.

Trump had announced in September that he would ban CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House, citing their reporting as "fake news." The ban lasted only a few days before Kelly granted the temporary restraining order, directing the White House to restore the media outlets' press credentials.

The ruling did not extend to all restrictions. CNN and Politico were also barred from traveling with Trump on Air Force One. The White House had stated that traveling with the president is a "privilege, not a right," and the judge's order did not specifically address this issue.