CNN, Politico and MS Now have filed for an emergency hearing, accusing the White House of repeatedly defying a judicial directive to reinstate their press credentials. The legal battle centers on a stand-off with President Donald Trump, who had previously barred the outlets from the presidential compound.
On Thursday morning, employees from the three media organizations reported being turned away at the White House gates. In some instances, reporters’ press passes were confiscated, while others were permitted entry. The incidents occurred despite a ruling by Judge Timothy Kelly issued in the early hours of the same day, which temporarily lifted the ban on the grounds that it likely infringed upon the outlets’ constitutional due process rights.
The denial of access created uncertainty regarding television coverage as President Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping for a state visit and dinner. The White House had initially cited
So some got in and others didn’t? Sounds like arbitrary enforcement to me. Confiscating passes is another level.
I find it hard to believe they are actually defying the court order right now. That seems like political theater.
Wait, didn’t the judge rule this morning? How is the White House still turning them away? I need updates.
This is alarming. Ignoring a federal judge’s order during a state visit sets a dangerous precedent for press freedom.