Journalists from “Politico”, CNN and MS NOW blocked from entering the White House, despite a judge’s decision to restore their access
Hours after a federal judge’s ruling ordered the Trump administration to immediately reinstate permanent accreditations (hard pass) journalists banned from accessing the White House, the three concerned announced that their journalists were still prevented from entering, Thursday September 24.
According to Politicoone of their journalists “was barred from entering the White House on Thursday, and his accreditation was confiscated”. CNN also said its reporter Betsy Klein and a photojournalist had “been barred from entering at 6 a.m.” without “let there be any reason given”. A CNN producer was nevertheless able to enter “using your accreditation after 6 a.m.”. Similar situation for the MS NOW channel: two of its journalists were prevented from entering and their passes were confiscated, while a third was allowed to enter.
The White House did not immediately comment on this information.
Timothy Kelly, a judge appointed by Donald Trump in 2017, ordered the restoration of accreditations to journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politicobanned for almost a week. The order applies to administration officials targeted by the procedure and their agents, but explicitly excludes Donald Trump himself. It will remain in force for fourteen days, unless there is a further decision by the court, which must still examine the case on its merits.
Donald Trump announced their exclusion on September 18, denouncing their coverage of his administration and accusing them of broadcasting ” fake news “. The White House then criticized them for relaying “verifiable untruths” on national security issues and published sensitive or classified information.
Freedom of speech guaranteed by the First Amendment
The three media outlets, deprived of access to the White House since Saturday, took legal action on Monday, invoking the right to freedom of expression guaranteed by the first amendment of the American Constitution. They requested that access be granted again pending resolution of the dispute.
During a hearing on Wednesday, Judge Kelly, appointed by Donald Trump in 2017, questioned whether these guarantees were respected before the withdrawal of accreditations. He had already ordered in 2018, during Mr. Trump’s first term, the restoration of access to the White House for a CNN journalist.
The administration defended its decision in court, notably on grounds of national security. Several dozen media outlets, including Fox News, Reuters, Bloomberg News and Dow Jones, for their part supported the three editorial offices in the procedure.
The order also requires plaintiffs to post a nominal bond of one dollar by 1er october.
