Federal Judge Rebukes Trump’s Authoritarian Attack on Press Freedom, Orders Restoration of Press Passes for CNN, MS NOW and Politico
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U.S. District Judge Tim Kelly ruled that President Donald Trump’s unconstitutional ban on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico is a blatant assault on the First Amendment, ordering the immediate reinstatement of press credentials as the case proceeds.
U.S. District Judge Tim Kelly issued a decisive order Thursday, compelling the White House to restore press passes for journalists from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico. The judge found that President Trump’s ban on these outlets is likely unconstitutional, representing yet another attempt by the administration to silence dissent and undermine a free press. The order blocks the administration from enforcing the ban for 14 days, demanding the immediate return of the credentials.
Judge Kelly made clear that the administration’s justification—claiming the ban would protect national security—was unfounded and unsupported by evidence. Instead, Trump’s own statements revealed the ban was a vindictive response to critical reporting, targeting these outlets for their commitment to truth and holding power accountable. > "The record lacks factual support for defendants’ contention that the revocation of plaintiffs’ hard passes will in fact protect national security or that national security will be endangered if the court orders their passes reinstated while this litigation proceeds," the judge wrote, exposing the administration’s pretext.
The three media organizations courageously sued, asserting their First Amendment and due-process rights against an administration bent on eroding democratic norms. They sought a temporary restraining order to regain access to the White House, a vital arena for holding leaders to account. The Justice Department’s argument—that White House access is a privilege at the president’s whim—was rejected by the judge, who underscored the necessity of due process and the rule of law.
Press-freedom groups and dozens of news outlets rallied in support, filing an amicus brief that condemned the administration’s attempt to punish journalists for their editorial stance, which flies in the face of Supreme Court precedent and democratic values. The White House and the targeted media companies did not immediately comment, but the ruling stands as a powerful rebuke to Trump’s ongoing war on the free press.