Journalists from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico have been granted access back to the White House, nearly a week after President Donald Trump banned them. The reinstatement follows a federal judge’s order that the administration temporarily restore their credentials while their legal challenge proceeds.
Reporters Betsy Klein of CNN and Laura Barrón-López of MS NOW were seen reporting live from the White House grounds on Thursday afternoon, and Politico confirmed one of its reporters had also been granted entry.
The victory came after U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly issued a temporary restraining order, ruling that the administration’s initial ban was likely unconstitutional. Judge Kelly noted that the plaintiffs are likely to succeed in their lawsuit, particularly on the grounds that their credentials were revoked without due process. “This is a strong ruling vindicating freedom of the press, due process and the rule of law,” said Ted Boutrous, the attorney representing the news organizations.
Despite the judge’s overnight order, reporters from the banned outlets were initially turned away Thursday morning, leading to further court intervention. In a filing submitted shortly before a court-imposed deadline, White House press operations director Micah Stopperich stated that her team was instructed to restore access by activating the journalists’ hard badges. The Secret Service confirmed the passes were active by shortly after 9 a.m., and the badges were made available for pickup at the entry gate.
The White House had previously argued that the ban was motivated by national security concerns, but Judge Kelly rejected this, stating the administration offered little proof to support the claim.
The ban, which President Trump announced on Truth Social last Friday, was described by the President as a result of the outlets’ “constant ‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS!” The judge’s ruling ensures the journalists’ access remains restored for at least 14 days while the broader legal battle continues.