Trump blocks access to CNN and Politico despite the court order
The US President had announced the ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico on 18 September, attacking what he described as “fake news”
The White House denied access to a CNN journalist and a Politico reporter even after a federal judge’s ruling, which temporarily blocked US President Donald Trump’s order banning CNN, MSNBC and Politico from the White House. A few hours after the ruling, a CNN journalist stated that she had been denied access to the White House complex. Politico also reported that one of its journalists had been barred from entry. Federal Judge Timothy Kelly had temporarily blocked the President’s decision to ban three news organisations from the White House premises and ruled that CNN, MS NOW and Politico must have their access restored.
First Amendment
Trump had announced the ban on these publications on 18 September, attacking what he termed “fake news”.
More recently, the president stated that negative media coverage was dangerous for the country. The publications claimed they had been targeted because of the content of their reporting – in other words, on the grounds of discrimination based on their viewpoint – and described the ban as a “blatant violation” of the First Amendment.
Interim judgement
District Judge Timothy Kelly – appointed by Trump in 2017 and who, in 2018, in a similar case, had ordered that access be restored to a CNN journalist – heard the arguments on Wednesday 23 September and concluded the hearing without issuing a ruling. Today, he issued a temporary restraining order that will remain in force for 14 days. Such orders are generally intended to preserve the status quo pending a more thorough examination of the case by the court.
During the hearing, Kelly questioned whether the administration had fulfilled its legal obligations and ensured that CNN, MS NOW and Politico had been afforded due process before denying them access. Rulings in two previous cases concerning press access, including one that reached the US Supreme Court, have made it clear that journalists have the right to be heard before their press passes are revoked. Department of Justice lawyer Michael Velchik argued that the rulings in the previous cases were incorrect. The judge noted that his decision would be based on previous rulings in similar First Amendment cases, even if the government did not agree with them.
