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DOJ Argues CNN & Other Outlets Can Be Banned From White House
Deadline • • nation
Key Points:
- The Justice Department argued that former President Donald Trump can legally ban CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House, claiming these outlets failed to meet "minimum requirements of professionalism."
- A federal judge previously granted a temporary restraining order reinstating the reporters' hard passes, and the outlets are now seeking a preliminary injunction, alleging the ban violates their First and Fifth Amendment rights.
- U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly, citing a 1977 precedent, emphasized that press access cannot be denied arbitrarily or without compelling reasons, but the DOJ contends that the president has a "compelling interest" to restrict access.
- The news outlets accuse Trump of using the ban to punish unfavorable coverage and chill journalism, while the DOJ points to concerns over national security and decorum violations as justification.
- A hearing on the preliminary injunction is scheduled, with the judge noting the White House failed to provide due process and questioning the clarity of the reasons given for the revocations.
