Trump made ‘clear’ that media ban was due to critical coverage, lawyer tells judge

Federal Judge Timothy Kelly presided over a hearing concerning a White House ban on journalists from CNN, MS Now, and Politico. The media organizations seek a preliminary injunction to maintain access, arguing the ban is unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination based on critical coverage. The Trump administration contends the ban is justified by national security concerns and a failure to meet journalistic standards of professionalism. During the hearing, the judge expressed skepticism regarding the government's shifting justifications, noting a discrepancy between President Trump’s public comments about 'fake news' and the legal arguments presented in court.

Federal Judge Timothy Kelly presided over a hearing concerning a White House ban on journalists from CNN, MS Now, and Politico. The media organizations seek a preliminary injunction to maintain access, arguing the ban is unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination based on critical coverage. The Trump administration contends the ban is justified by national security concerns and a failure to meet journalistic standards of professionalism. During the hearing, the judge expressed skepticism regarding the government's shifting justifications, noting a discrepancy between President Trump’s public comments about 'fake news' and the legal arguments presented in court.