Trump Admin Blocks White House Access to CNN, Politico, MSNOW Despite Court Order
White House access to CNN, Politico, and MSNOW blocked despite court order to restore credentials.
2 min read
Despite a federal court order requiring the Trump administration to restore White House access for journalists from CNN, Politico, and MSNOW, the administration has continued to block entry and seize press passes, according to recent reports. U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Kelly, a Trump appointee, issued a Temporary Restraining Order on Thursday, mandating that the administration return and reinstate the revoked credentials for these outlets. The order, which applied to all White House and Secret Service officials, emphasized the immediate effect of the ruling.
Order Demands Immediate Compliance
The judge ruled that President Donald Trump’s ban on the outlets was likely unconstitutional, prompting the administration to reinstate access. The outlets only had to post a $1 bond, a symbolic gesture that underscores the legal weight of the ruling. However, despite the court’s directive, journalists from Politico and MSNOW have reported being denied entry to the White House and having their credentials seized by the Secret Service.
Journalists Report Continued Denial of Access
A POLITICO reporter was barred from entering the White House on the morning of September 24, 2026, and had his credentials confiscated. Similarly, CNN correspondent Betsy Klein has not been allowed back into her workspace at the White House as of 9 am. These incidents suggest a potential defiance of the court’s order by the Trump administration.
White House’s Justification for the Ban
President Trump previously announced the ban on these outlets on Truth Social, labeling them as ‘fake news.’ He claimed that CNN, MSNOW, and Politico were biased and had engaged in false reporting, with MSNOW having recently changed its name from MSNBC due to lack of viewership and credibility. Trump also criticized Politico for receiving an illegal $8 million subscription from the government under President Joe Biden, which he described as corruption.
Legal and Ethical Implications
The situation raises significant legal and ethical questions regarding press freedom and government accountability. The court’s intervention highlights the tension between executive authority and the First Amendment rights of journalists. As the administration continues to challenge the ruling, the legal battle over access to the White House is expected to escalate, with potential implications for media independence and transparency in government operations.
Source: The Gateway Pundit
