WASHINGTON (AURN News) — President Donald Trump’s effort to ban three news organizations from the White House remains blocked after a federal judge extended a temporary order while considering longer-term protections for their access.
U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly heard arguments Thursday over whether CNN, MS NOW and Politico should keep that protection while their lawsuit moves forward.
An attorney for the three news organizations says Trump is punishing critical coverage, violating the First Amendment and sending a warning to other reporters about challenging the president. The Justice Department defended the restrictions, citing concerns about journalistic standards and national security.
Kelly’s earlier order restored access after finding the news organizations were likely to succeed in arguing that the administration revoked their press credentials without due process.
But the stakes go beyond this case. Reporters question officials about decisions affecting everyday Americans: health care, voting rights, gas prices and paychecks. Restricting access limits their ability to get answers directly.
Kelly said he intends to decide by Tuesday whether to extend the protections.
Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @ebonymcmorris & @aurnonline.
