Justice Department seeks to bar CNN, MS NOW and Politico from White House areas

The Justice Department filed a brief Tuesday night asking a federal court to allow the president to deny CNN, MS NOW and Politico access to designated White House areas. The filing contends that access is a privilege that can be limited to protect national-security information, and cites specific reporting on the Iran conflict and a construction project in the East Wing as examples of alleged security risks.

"At the very least, the Government may control reporters’ access to restricted presidential areas, such as the Oval Office, even for viewpoint-discriminatory reasons," the department wrote.

The brief also claims the outlets have engaged in reporting incidents that "threatened national security" and failed to meet the "expectations" of badge holders. Letters to each outlet outline the president’s reasons for the ban and give the organizations until Friday to submit written objections.

CNN was referenced for stories about a proposed underground facility beneath the East Wing ballroom and coverage of the Iran conflict. MS NOW was criticized for its reporting on the war and a leak investigation, while Politico was targeted for articles on the Iran conflict, the ballroom project and discussions of Russia sanctions.

The three media organizations have asked the court to restore their access ahead of an emergency hearing before Judge Timothy Kelly. The case is expected to test the balance between First Amendment press freedoms and the administration’s claim of authority over restricted White House spaces.