A federal judge on Thursday issued an order requiring President Donald Trump to lift restrictions barring journalists from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from accessing the White House. The ruling addresses a lawsuit filed by the news organizations challenging the ban imposed on September 18.
U.S. District Judge Tim Kelly determined that the prohibition was likely unconstitutional. In his order, Judge Kelly mandated that the access restrictions remain halted for a period of 14 days while the legal proceedings continue.
The decision comes amid ongoing tension between the Trump administration and major media outlets, with the White House press corps image showing nearly empty rooms following the exclusions. The three networks had sought immediate relief from the ban, arguing that it violated their First Amendment rights to report on presidential activities.
The empty press room photos tell the whole story. You can’t govern without accountability, no matter how much a president might want to avoid it.
Is it actually ‘MS NOW’ or did the article typo MSNBC? Also, 14 days seems like a short reprieve for such a sweeping ruling.
Finally, some common sense from the judiciary. The First Amendment exists for a reason, regardless of who sits in the White House.