A federal judge has ordered US President Donald Trump to restore White House access for journalists from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico, citing that the ban was likely unconstitutional. The decision was made on Thursday, September 24, 2026, in a lawsuit filed by the three news organizations contesting the ban announced on September 18. US District Judge Tim Kelly issued the order, marking a significant setback for Trump in his ongoing battle with the media.
The ban was implemented after Trump expressed discontent with the media outlets, stating they "shouldn't be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES." The Justice Department had attempted to justify the ban on national security grounds. However, Judge Kelly's ruling suggests that the ban may infringe upon the First Amendment rights of the news organizations. The lawsuit was filed in response to the confiscation of White House passes from journalists working for the three outlets.
The move sparked a strong reaction from the media community, with the top five US broadcasters – ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox, and NBC – halting pool coverage of the White House in solidarity with CNN. The White House Correspondents' Association and nearly 50 news organizations also filed a brief with the court, arguing that the bans on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico should be reversed. They emphasized the importance of a free press in a democratic society.
This is not the first time Judge Kelly has ruled against Trump's actions regarding media access. In a previous case involving CNN during Trump's first term, Kelly ordered the White House to temporarily restore access for a CNN reporter whose pass had been revoked. The judge's latest decision reinforces the notion that the White House cannot arbitrarily restrict access to certain media outlets.
The controversy surrounding Trump's relationship with the media has been ongoing. On Tuesday, September 22, Trump appeared to suggest that CNN should not be covering him outside of the White House, telling a CNN reporter at the UN General Assembly in New York, "I'm surprised that CNN is here covering me. You shouldn't be here." This incident highlights the tense dynamic between the Trump administration and certain media outlets.
In response to the criticism, the White House launched a streaming channel, "Trump TV," which features "top videos, major remarks, and must-see highlights streaming 24/7 and updated in real time." The channel was introduced on Monday evening, seen as an attempt to counterbalance negative media coverage. Trump's administration has long been critical of the media, often labeling it as the "enemy of the people."
The implications of Judge Kelly's ruling extend beyond the three affected media outlets. The decision underscores the importance of a free and independent press in holding those in power accountable. As the relationship between the Trump administration and the media continues to evolve, this ruling serves as a significant check on executive power.
Key points
- A federal judge has ruled that Trump's ban on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico was likely unconstitutional.
- The media community rallied in support of the affected outlets, with major broadcasters halting pool coverage of the White House.
- The ruling marks a significant setback for Trump in his ongoing battle with the media.
