Justice Department Defends Trump's White House Press Ban

The United States Department of Justice has asked a federal judge to deny a preliminary injunction sought by CNN, MS NOW, and Politico. The news organizations are seeking to block Donald Trump from enforcing a ban on their journalists' access to White House grounds.

President Trump announced the ban on September 18, citing unfavorable coverage and later alleging that the outlets published false and classified national security information. The administration argues that White House access is a privilege and that the president has the authority to enforce standards to safeguard national security. The Justice Department maintains that these actions are lawful under the First Amendment.

The news organizations argue the ban violates the First and Fifth Amendments due to a lack of clear standards and due process. They claim the administration has inconsistently applied the ban, specifically noting that CNN was barred from designated pool duties, including a trip to Tennessee. The ACLU of the District of Columbia supported the outlets, asserting the White House is a public building rather than private property.

U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly previously issued a temporary restraining order that restored press access in late September. That order is set to expire on October 8, the same day Judge Kelly is scheduled to hold a hearing on the matter.