A federal judge issued an order late Tuesday that indefinitely prevents the White House from revoking the press credentials of three news organizations. The ruling, from U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly, extends a temporary injunction that had allowed journalists from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico to maintain access to the White House complex while their lawsuit proceeds.
The decision stems from a legal challenge filed by the three media companies after the White House suspended their reporters’ hard passes earlier this month. The initial action by the administration prevented the designated journalists from entering the White House grounds to cover presidential events and press briefings.
According to court filings, the news outlets argued that the revocation of their credentials was a violation of the First Amendment right to freedom of the press and the Fifth Amendment right to due process. Their legal complaint contended that the White House did not provide a clear reason for the suspensions or a formal process to appeal the decision, actions they described as arbitrary and punitive.
In response, attorneys from the Department of Justice, representing the executive branch, argued that the president has broad authority to determine who is granted access to the White House. The government’s position maintained that press access is a privilege, not a right, and that the administration retains the discretion to manage security and decorum on its premises.
Judge Kelly’s order on Tuesday converts a previously issued temporary restraining order into a preliminary injunction. This order will remain in effect for the duration of the court case. In his ruling, the judge did not decide on the ultimate merits of the lawsuit but indicated that the plaintiffs had demonstrated a sufficient likelihood of success on their claims to warrant the extension.
The injunction ensures that the reporters from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico can continue to access the White House with their press passes as the case moves forward through the legal system. No date has been set for subsequent hearings. The White House has not issued a public statement on the ruling.
