A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore access for CNN, MS Now, and Politico to the White House after a ban last week, but journalists were denied entry to cover Xi Jinping’s state dinner on Thursday, sparking renewed tensions over press freedoms.
Despite a federal judge’s order requiring the Trump administration to reinstate press access, CNN and MS Now journalists were barred from covering the state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, according to multiple reports.
Judge Rules Ban Likely Violated Due Process
Judge Timothy Kelly, who issued the order on Thursday, ruled that the revocation of press passes for CNN, MS Now, and Politico likely violated constitutional due process protections. The record lacks factual support for defendants’ contention that the revocation of plaintiffs’ hard passes will in fact protect national security,
he wrote, citing a lack of evidence to justify the move. The judge also emphasized that journalists must receive “fair notice” of conduct that could lead to sanctions, a standard established in prior court decisions.
The ban was challenged in court, with lawyers for the news organizations arguing that the revocation lacked proper legal grounds. Kelly’s order temporarily lifted the ban for 14 days, allowing the outlets to re-enter the White House grounds.
Access Denied Despite Court Ruling
Despite the court’s directive, journalists from CNN and MS Now reported being turned away from the White House state dinner for Xi Jinping. CNN was permitted to cover the event only with a photojournalist and audio technician, not its full editorial team, according to the network. MS Now’s reporter, Laura Barrón-López, was told she could not enter and was advised to contact White House communications director Steven Cheung, the outlet reported.
This lack of coverage is getting to Trump,
said CNN host Erin Burnett, who reported that the White House had refused to confirm CNN’s return to full reporting duties.
White House Defends Ban as National Security Measure
The White House defended the ban, with a statement on X (formerly Twitter) claiming, contrary to what the Fake News wants you to believe, they don't just get to have free rein into every part of the White House, every event, and every press call.
The administration argued that the outlets’ coverage posed a risk to national security, citing articles about missile stockpiles and the White House ballroom’s construction. However, the judge found these claims unsupported by evidence.
In a court filing, the Department of Justice had accused the outlets of threatening security with their reporting, but Kelly’s ruling cast doubt on these claims. The president made no mention of this in his initial announcement,
the judge noted, highlighting the lack of transparency in the administration’s reasoning.
Legal Battle Highlights Press Freedom Concerns
The dispute has drawn widespread attention from media organizations and press freedom advocates. Over 50 outlets, including Fox News, the New York Times, and the Washington Post, filed an amicus brief supporting the lawsuit. The case echoes past conflicts, such as the Obama administration’s attempt to exclude Fox News from a press pool in 2009, which was later overturned.
The legal battle underscores broader concerns about executive power and press access. The government does not decide what the press reports,
said a joint statement from the affected outlets, which are pursuing legal action to defend the principle that the government does not decide what the press reports.
As CNN’s Erin Burnett noted, Trump’s White House still refuses to confirm that CNN will be allowed to return in full to its normally scheduled reporting duties.
The case also raises questions about the balance between national security and press freedoms.