Headline: Judge Orders White House to Restore Access for Three Banned News Organisations

Date: 24 September 2026

Tags: US Politics, Media, Press Freedom, Donald Trump

Summary:

• A federal judge ordered the White House to restore access for CNN, MS NOW and Politico for 14 days.

• Judge Timothy Kelly said the ban likely violated the organisations’ constitutional due process rights.

• The three outlets sued after their reporters’ White House passes were confiscated last week.

• Trump initially accused the organisations of publishing “fake news” and false reporting about his administration.

• The administration later argued the restrictions were necessary because some reporting threatened national security.

• Kelly said the court record lacked factual evidence showing restored press access would endanger national security.

• The judge found many disputed stories were written by journalists who did not hold White House passes.

• Major US television networks withdrew from White House pool duties in protest against the restrictions.

• Forty-nine media organisations filed a legal brief supporting the three outlets’ legal challenge.

• The White House could pursue further legal action as the wider case continues.

Why this matters: The ruling temporarily restores access while raising broader constitutional questions about government restrictions on journalists covering the presidency.

What’s next: The outlets will regain access for 14 days while litigation continues and the administration considers further legal action.