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Politics · October 14, 2026

Federal judge issues injunction against Trump's ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico at White House

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U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly issued a preliminary injunction against the Trump administration, blocking a ban on CNN, Politico, and MS NOW journalists from the White House complex. The judge ruled that the administration likely violated the news organizations' First and Fifth Amendment rights, including due process and protection against viewpoint discrimination. The ban, announced by President Trump on September 18, 2026, targeted 78 journalists with 'hard passes' due to alleged 'fake news' and 'national security' concerns. While the injunction restores access to the White House grounds during the ongoing lawsuit, it does not currently mandate access to the Oval Office or Air Force One. The administration has appealed the ruling.

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Reported across the spectrum

  • Judge Timothy Kelly issued a preliminary injunction blocking the White House ban on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico.
  • The ban originally affected 78 journalists holding 'hard passes' for White House access.
  • The administration cited 'fake news' and national security concerns as reasons for the ban.
  • The judge found the administration's national security justification was likely a 'post-hoc' explanation.
  • The injunction preserves the status quo while the underlying lawsuit proceeds.
  • The administration has appealed the judge's order.

Reported by only some outlets

  • The Justice Department is separately investigating major TV networks for antitrust violations related to pool coverage.
  • The administration argued that White House access is a 'privilege' rather than a 'right'.
  • Judge Kelly was appointed to the federal bench by President Trump in 2017.
  • The injunction does not require access to the Oval Office or Air Force One.

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