Federal judge / CNN, MS NOW and Politico temporarily regain access to the White House after Trump’s ban was deemed likely unconstitutional

A federal judge in Washington ordered President Donald Trump’s administration on Thursday to immediately reinstate the credentials of journalists from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico and allow them access to the White House. The order is valid for 14 days and represents a major setback for the president in his dispute with the press.

Judge Tim Kelly found that the ban announced by Trump on September 18 is likely unconstitutional. He rejected the administration’s argument that the measure had been imposed for national security reasons, stating that the case file contains no concrete evidence to support this justification.

According to the court, the journalists were not given prior notice or an opportunity to challenge the revocation of their credentials before it took effect. Kelly emphasized that the explanations later submitted by the Justice Department were formulated after access had been revoked and after the lawsuit had been filed.

The three media outlets sued Trump and members of his administration, alleging violations of the First Amendment, which protects freedom of the press and freedom of expression, as well as violations of the right to due process. Trump accused them of constantly broadcasting “fiction and lies.”

A coalition made up of press freedom organizations and media outlets, including Reuters, the Washington Post, and Fox News, argued in court that journalists’ access cannot be withdrawn based on editorial opinions. The dispute is taking place several weeks before the midterm legislative elections, scheduled for November 3.