Judge Blocks Trump's Ban of CNN, MS NOW, and Politico

President Donald J. Trump banned CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House on September 18, 2026, accusing the outlets of reporting "FICTION and LIES" and "FAKE NEWS." The administration began enforcing the ban on September 19, with Secret Service agents deactivating and confiscating the press badges of several journalists. In response, the three news organizations filed a joint federal lawsuit alleging violations of the First and Fifth Amendments.

The ban triggered an unprecedented boycott by the White House television pool. Major networks—including ABC, CBS, Fox News, and NBC—suspended pooled coverage of presidential events in solidarity with CNN, which had also been removed from its scheduled pool duties. This blackout resulted in a lack of professional audio and video during high-profile events, including a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new White House helipad and the arrival of Chinese President Xi Jinping. To bypass traditional media, the administration launched "Trump TV," a 24/7 streaming service on YouTube.

On September 24, U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly issued a 14-day temporary restraining order requiring the immediate restoration of press credentials. Judge Kelly ruled that the administration likely violated the Fifth Amendment right to due process by revoking passes without adequate notice. He rejected the Department of Justice's claims that the ban was necessary for national security, noting that the president's own social media posts attributed the move to negative coverage.

Despite the order, reporters faced a chaotic reentry process, with some initially blocked by security. Tensions persisted as the administration continued to restrict specific access, including barring CNN from Air Force One for a trip to Tennessee. The news organizations are now seeking a preliminary injunction to indefinitely block the ban.