Judge orders White House to restore press access
The gist
A federal judge ordered the White House to restore press credentials for 78 journalists from CNN.
The 14-day order tests whether the president can bar outlets over coverage he calls unfair.
How it unfolded
- Sep 18, 2026President Donald Trump announced a ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico from White House grounds; their journalists' press credentials were revoked on Saturday at his request.
- Sep 21, 2026CNN, MS NOW and Politico filed a joint lawsuit against Trump and administration members in federal court in Washington, alleging First Amendment and due process violations, and requested a temporary restraining order.
- Sep 22, 2026The Justice Department sent letters to the three outlets citing national security concerns and argued in a filing that White House access is a privilege, not an entitlement.