Banning CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, and the order that let them back in

Judge Timothy Kelly (D.D.C.) issued a 14-day temporary restraining order restoring the outlets' credentials, finding them likely to succeed on their due process claim and that nothing in the record predating the suit suggested national security was the motive

On September 18, 2026, Trump posted that he was banning the three outlets "as a result of their constant 'reporting' FAKE NEWS!" and added "Other Fake News Media Outlets to follow." The outlets sued. At a hearing on September 23, the Justice Department argued that access was a privilege and that the outlets' reporting had endangered national security.

Early on September 24, Judge Kelly ordered the White House to restore the passes, writing that the president had "focused on the alleged lack of truthfulness and negativity of Plaintiffs' reporting," not national security, and calling the stories the White House cited "routine." Reporters from all three outlets were turned away that morning and readmitted later that day after the judge demanded a written response.

Documented

Temporary restraining order: court found the ban likely unconstitutional; case pending

Ban announced 2026-09-18; hearing 2026-09-23; TRO and readmission 2026-09-24