Journalists from CNN, Politico, and MS Now have regained access to the White House following a federal court order. Judge Timothy Kelly issued a ruling requiring the immediate restoration of press passes for the three outlets, concluding that the administration's decision to bar them likely infringed upon their constitutional due process rights.

The standoff began when the Trump administration revoked the credentials of the three organizations, initially citing the publication of "fake news." While government lawyers later argued in court filings that the exclusion was necessary for national security—pointing to reporting on missile stockpiles and infrastructure—Judge Kelly found no factual evidence to support that claim. The judge noted that the president had made no mention of national security concerns during his initial announcement of the ban.

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The outlets sought an emergency hearing after being denied entry to the White House grounds on Thursday morning. By 09:45, the director of White House Operations confirmed in a court filing that the badges had been returned. The judge’s order mandates that the ban remain lifted for a period of 14 days.

The legal challenge drew widespread support from the media industry, with more than 50 organizations filing an amicus brief in favor of the plaintiffs. While the three affected outlets have resumed access, other major networks, including Fox News, NBC, CBS, and ABC, had previously pulled their own coverage in solidarity and have yet to confirm their plans for resuming broadcast operations from the White House.

Source: BBC News