White House: Press Restrictions, Judge Questions Trump Administration’s Process

Washington — A federal judge hearing the case over the Trump administration’s revocation of White House press credentials for CNN, MSNBC and Politico journalists said the administration appeared to have denied the reporters proper due process.
Last week, the White House revoked press passes for journalists from all three outlets, following President Trump’s announcement of an immediate “ban” after branding their reporting “fake.” US District Judge Timothy Kelly — appointed by Trump during his first term, and who ordered the White House to restore CNN’s Jim Acosta’s press pass in 2018 — said during Wednesday’s hearing that the required “advance notice and opportunity to be heard” was not provided in this case. He indicated he would rule “as soon as possible” but did not issue an immediate decision after the 45-minute hearing.
Trump and the Justice Department accused the outlets of endangering national security and publishing sensitive information. Attorney Theodore Boutrous Jr., representing the outlets, called the move “blatant retaliation,” while the lawsuit alleges violations of First and Fifth Amendment rights. More than 50 news organizations and press freedom groups filed a brief supporting the outlets.
In protest, major networks — ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News — suspended the shared press pool system covering White House activities; cameras stayed dark even during Wednesday evening’s coverage of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s arrival.
The three outlets have been given until 5 p.m. on September 25 to challenge the revocation decision. Trump signaled he would appeal the ruling and said he regretted appointing Judge Kelly.