DOJ argues White House media ban protects national security, asks court to deny press access restoration

The Justice Department filed a response to a lawsuit filed by CNN, MS Now and Politico, asking a Washington, D.C., federal court to refuse restoring the three outlets’ White House press credentials. The filing cited letters from the White House dated Sept. 22 that accused the outlets of “trafficking in verifiable falsehoods about national security and other issues, and publishing sensitive or classified information.”

The department said President Trump revoked the credentials because the organizations “failed to maintain basic minimum standards of professionalism and decorum” and for publishing material deemed sensitive or classified. It emphasized that “access to the White House is a privilege—not a right.”

The three media groups sued on grounds that the ban violated their First Amendment rights to free speech and their Fifth Amendment right to due process, arguing the administration removed their privileges without warning or an opportunity to appeal. The lawsuit described the action as “a direct assault on the First Amendment” and a breach of fundamental constitutional principles.

The White House letters alleged that the outlets’ reporting on topics ranging from construction of an East Wing bunker to U.S. ammunition levels during the Iran conflict, as well as coverage of sanctions on Russia and the Republican midterm convention, threatened national security or contained falsehoods. The letters gave the outlets a deadline to submit written complaints.

The case is set for an emergency hearing, which will further test the administration’s authority to limit press access.