Judge blocks Trump ban on CNN, MSNBC, Politico; White House defies order
President Donald Trump banned CNN, MSNBC, and Politico from the White House on September 18, 2026, accusing them of "fake news." Their press credentials were revoked and reporters denied entry. The outlets sued, citing First Amendment violations. On September 24, Judge Timothy Kelly issued a temporary restraining order restoring access for 14 days, finding the ban likely violated due process. The White House initially defied the order, barring reporters from a state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping, before eventually restoring access later that day.
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White House TV pool resumes after dayslong ban of news outlets from grounds
The White House network television pool has resumed operations following a multi-day ban that prevented several news outlets, including CNN and MSNBC, from accessing the White House grounds. The ban was imposed by the Trump administration, which denied reporters from these outlets entry to events such as the arrival of Chinese President Xi Jinping for a state dinner. The standoff ended when CNN and other affected networks regained access, allowing the White House press pool to resume its normal coverage. The resumption comes amid an ongoing fight over press access, with the administration's actions drawing criticism from press freedom advocates. The New York Times and other major outlets reported on the resolution of the standoff, noting that the networks have resumed their coverage of White House events.
Read sourceTrump Asks 'Where Are the Cameras?' After Banning News Outlets From White House
According to a report by The New Republic, President Donald Trump, 80, was reportedly confused by the absence of cameras at the White House after he banned MS NOW, CNN, and Politico from the premises. Jonathan Lemire of MS NOW told Morning Joe that Trump did not consult his aides before imposing the ban, which he announced on Truth Social citing 'FAKE NEWS.' The ban sparked a press pool-wide protest and a lawsuit from the affected outlets, who called it a violation of the First Amendment. U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly reinstated the outlets' access for two weeks, but the Trump administration defied the order, leading to an emergency hearing. Reporters were eventually allowed back on Thursday afternoon, though some were still denied entry during a state dinner with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Morning Joe host Joe Scarborough condemned the defiance, calling for those who ordered the violation to face contempt of court charges.
Trump Asks 'Where Are the Cameras?' After Banning News Outlets from White House
According to MS NOW's Jonathan Lemire, President Donald Trump was confused by the absence of cameras at the White House after he banned MS NOW, CNN, and Politico from the premises, sparking a press pool-wide protest. Lemire told Morning Joe that Trump did not consult aides before issuing the ban, which he announced on Truth Social citing 'FAKE NEWS.' The three outlets filed a lawsuit alleging a First Amendment violation. U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly reinstated their access for two weeks, but the Trump administration defied the order, leading to an emergency hearing. Reporters were denied entry until Thursday afternoon, with some still barred during a state dinner with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Morning Joe host Joe Scarborough called for the prosecution of those who defied the court order, stating they should be held in contempt.
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Trump Asks 'Where Are the Cameras?' After Banning News Outlets from White House
According to a report by The New Republic, President Donald Trump, 80, was reportedly confused by the absence of cameras at the White House after he banned MS NOW, CNN, and Politico from the premises. Jonathan Lemire of MS NOW told Morning Joe that Trump did not consult his aides before imposing the ban, which sparked a press pool-wide protest. The banned outlets filed a lawsuit citing a First Amendment violation. U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly reinstated their access for two weeks, but the Trump administration defied the order, leading to an emergency hearing. Some journalists were still denied entry during a state dinner with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Morning Joe host Joe Scarborough accused the administration of contempt of court, calling for those who gave the defiance order to be jailed.
Read sourceTrump Complains Media Refuses Coverage as White House Blocks Outlets Despite Court Order
President Donald Trump complained on Truth Social that MSNBC and CNN refused to cover Chinese President Xi Jinping's arrival at the White House, claiming they avoided the event to deny him credit. However, reporters from those networks and others had refused to cover the arrival in protest of Trump's earlier ban on CNN, MSNBC, and Politico from White House grounds. Hours after Trump's post, CNN and MSNBC were blocked from covering the state dinner, despite a federal court order reinstating their access. U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly had ordered the outlets' credentials restored for two weeks, but the Trump administration immediately defied the ruling. MSNBC White House reporter Laura Barrón-López said she submitted credentials but was denied entry and directed to Communications Director Steven Cheung, who did not respond. The three outlets have filed a lawsuit alleging First Amendment violations. In solidarity, all major broadcasters—including NBC, ABC, CBS, and Fox News—suspended coverage of the president until the ban is reversed. The article also notes that Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison dined with Trump and Xi while CNN was barred, highlighting tensions between corporate interests and press freedom.
Read sourceTrump Claims Media Refused Coverage as Outlets Barred From White House Events
President Donald Trump claimed on Truth Social that MSNBC and CNN refused to cover Chinese President Xi Jinping's arrival at the White House, attributing it to bias and poor ratings. However, reporters from those networks stated they were blocked from covering the event despite submitting credentials, in defiance of a court order by U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly that temporarily reinstated their access. The Trump administration had banned CNN, MSNBC, and Politico from White House grounds, prompting a First Amendment lawsuit and a boycott by major broadcasters including NBC, ABC, CBS, and Fox News. MSNBC reporter Laura Barrón-López described being denied entry to the state dinner and directed to contact White House Communications Director Steven Cheung, who did not respond. The administration defied the judge's order, barring the outlets from Xi's arrival and the state dinner. Barrón-López expressed uncertainty about future credentialing for daily events.
Read sourceTrump Complains Media Refuses to Cover Xi Visit as His Ban Blocks Outlets
President Donald Trump complained on Truth Social that CNN and MS NOW refused to cover Chinese President Xi Jinping's arrival at the White House, calling them 'Fake News.' However, reporters from those networks were actually blocked from covering the event due to Trump's selective media ban, which also barred Politico. The ban, announced last week, prompted a lawsuit from the three outlets citing First Amendment violations. In solidarity, all major White House press pool broadcasters—including NBC, ABC, CBS, and Fox News—suspended coverage of the president until the ban is reversed. U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly ordered the outlets' access reinstated for two weeks, but the Trump administration defied the ruling, blocking CNN and MS NOW from covering the state dinner that evening. MS NOW reporter Laura Barrón-López described submitting credentials but being denied entry, and was directed to Communications Director Steven Cheung for an explanation, though it was unclear if he responded. The administration did allow the outlets to cover a subsequent visit to the National Archives, which is off White House grounds.
Read sourceTrump White House Punishes Reporters for Publishing Information It Planted
This New Republic opinion piece argues that the Trump White House expelled CNN, MSNBC, and Politico from the press briefing room for reporting information that the administration itself provided. The author details that one cited incident involved a background press call with Vice President JD Vance, arranged by the White House press office, about Iran deal prospects. Other justifications included reporting on a Secret Service document shared with senators and a UN report on a military strike. The author contends none of the stories were false, and the expulsions were legally overturned by a temporary restraining order. The piece characterizes the move as self-defeating and hypocritical, noting the White House routinely uses anonymous sources and then punishes outlets for publishing that information.
White House restores CNN, MSNBC, Politico access after judge lifts Trump ban
The White House announced it was restoring press access for reporters from CNN, MSNBC, and Politico, following a federal judge's decision to lift a ban previously imposed by President Donald Trump. The ban had restricted these outlets from accessing White House events and briefings. The judge's ruling overturned the administration's action, leading to the reinstatement of credentials for the affected journalists. The development marks a significant legal and procedural shift in the relationship between the Trump administration and certain media organizations, which had been barred over coverage disputes. The White House statement confirmed compliance with the court order, restoring access effective immediately.
Read sourceTrump administration bars CNN and MS NOW from White House dinner despite court order
On September 24, 2026, CNN and MS NOW reporters were denied entry to cover a White House state dinner for Chinese leader Xi Jinping, despite a federal judge's ruling that the Trump administration must restore their press access. Judge Timothy Kelly had temporarily lifted the ban on CNN, Politico, and MS NOW, finding it likely violated constitutional due process rights and lacked national security justification. The White House had barred the outlets the previous week, accusing them of 'fake news.' After the ruling, journalists were allowed back in on Thursday morning, but later that evening, a CNN reporter and producer and an MS NOW reporter were blocked from covering the dinner arrivals. The White House communications account posted that outlets do not have 'free rein into every part of the White House.' The outlets requested an emergency court hearing. More than 50 media organizations, including Fox News, filed an amicus brief supporting the lawsuit. The standoff limited TV coverage of the state visit.
Read sourceCNN, MSNBC, and Politico Return to White House After Judge Orders Trump to Lift Ban
Three major U.S. news outlets—CNN, MSNBC, and Politico—have been restored access to the White House after a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to lift a ban that had barred them from covering events. The ban was imposed following a dispute over access, and the outlets returned after a court ruling. A legal expert cited by Yahoo explained the judge's reasoning for halting the media ban, noting constitutional concerns. However, Politico reported that it was subsequently barred again after the court ruling restoring access, indicating ongoing tensions between the administration and the press. The New York Times and AP News also covered the developments, highlighting the legal and political implications of the access restrictions.
Read sourceWhite House reinstates CNN, MSNBC, and Politico access after judge orders Trump to lift ban
The White House has reinstated press access for CNN, MSNBC, and Politico reporters following a federal judge's order that temporarily blocked the Trump administration's ban on these outlets. The judge ruled that the White House must restore credentials for the three news organizations, which had been barred from covering events in the building. According to Reuters and other sources, the administration complied with the court order, allowing reporters back into the White House. However, Politico reported that its reporter was subsequently barred again after the court ruling, indicating ongoing tensions between the administration and the press. The incident highlights a broader conflict over press freedom and the Trump administration's relationship with media outlets it has criticized.
Read sourceThree US news outlets return to White House after judge orders Trump to lift ban
Three major US news outlets—CNN, MSNBC, and Politico—were allowed back into the White House after a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to temporarily restore their access. The outlets had been blocked from covering White House events, a move the judge ruled against. However, reports indicate that a standoff persists regarding television pool access, and the White House has been accused of defying the judge's order. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the press, with legal battles over media access continuing.
Read sourceWhite House reinstates access for banned reporters after judge orders Trump to lift ban
The White House has reinstated press access for reporters from CNN, MSNBC, and Politico, who were previously banned by the Trump administration. This action follows a federal judge's order requiring the administration to lift the ban. The New York Times reports that while reporters have returned, a standoff persists regarding television pool access. Legal experts cited by Yahoo explain the judge's rationale for halting the media ban. The AP News and Washington Post confirm that the three outlets have regained entry to the White House, marking a significant development in the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and the press.
Read sourceTrump's Press Ban Lets Chinese State Media Cover Xi Meeting, Excluding US Press
President Trump's ban on several U.S. news outlets from the White House resulted in no American TV pool coverage of his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on September 24, 2026. Despite a court order Wednesday night restoring access to Politico, MS NOW, and CNN, their journalists were still barred Thursday morning, leading the entire White House TV press pool, including Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, and CNN, to continue their boycott. White House photojournalists also joined the boycott. As a result, China Global Television Network (CGTN) was one of the few outlets to have video of Xi's arrival at the White House. The White House claimed in a court document that access was restored by 9:55 a.m., but Politico, CNN, and MS NOW reported being allowed onto the grounds only around noon, after Trump's press conference with Xi. U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly gave the White House until 12:30 p.m. to explain the continued ban and ordered Trump to allow access for at least two weeks while the court case continues. The article notes a parallel to Trump's first term when he barred the U.S. press pool while allowing Russian state media to take pictures with Russian officials.
White House Says It's Complying With Court Order to Restore Reporters' Access Despite Apparent Denial
According to an article published by Reason Magazine on September 24, 2026, the White House has stated it is complying with a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) that requires the restoration of access for reporters from CNN, MSNBC, and Politico. However, the article notes an apparent denial of access to these reporters early in the morning, citing a just-filed affidavit in the case CNN v. Trump. The source includes a link to the affidavit and a previous filing detailing the initial noncompliance. The report suggests a discrepancy between the White House's stated position and the reported experience of the journalists.
Read sourceCNN and MS NOW Report Journalists Allowed Back Into White House
According to a report from Chinese financial news outlet CLS (Cailianshe), citing CNN and MS NOW, journalists have been granted access to the White House. This development follows a previous announcement by former U.S. President Donald Trump on September 18, when he posted on social media that he would immediately ban three 'fake news media' outlets—CNN, MS NOW (formerly MSNBC), and Politico—from entering the White House. The report indicates a reversal of that ban, allowing the previously barred journalists to resume access. The summary is based solely on the provided source text, which attributes the information to CNN and MS NOW.
Trump Loses Court Ruling on Media Ban, Journalists Still Barred from White House
A US federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to temporarily restore White House press access for CNN, MS NOW, and Politico, whose credentials were revoked on September 19, 2026. Judge Timothy Kelly issued a 14-day temporary restraining order on September 24, finding no evidence that national security concerns motivated the ban, as the Justice Department had argued. The three media outlets had filed a joint lawsuit arguing their constitutional rights were violated. Despite the ruling, the journalists remained barred from the White House as of Thursday morning. The Trump administration had not commented by press time. Separately, the OSCE announced that the US did not invite international observers for the November midterm elections, marking the first time since OSCE monitoring began that the US has declined such observation. The article, published by German newspaper taz, characterizes these actions as part of a broader pattern of attacks on democratic institutions by the Trump administration.
Trump Appointee Blocks President's Ban on CNN, MSNBC, Politico from White House
U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Kelly, a Trump appointee, issued a temporary restraining order blocking President Donald Trump's attempt to ban CNN, MSNBC, and Politico from the White House. The judge ordered the restoration of 'hard passes' for employees of those outlets, citing due process requirements under D.C. Circuit precedents. Kelly expressed skepticism about the Trump administration's post-hoc national security justification, noting that Trump initially announced the ban citing 'FAKE NEWS' and negative coverage, not security concerns. The ruling does not address First Amendment claims of viewpoint discrimination but relies on the 1977 case Sherill v. Knight and the 2019 case Karem v. Trump, which require advance notice and a hearing before revoking press passes. Kelly noted the White House's vague explanations and lack of formal standards. The judge had previously ordered restoration of CNN reporter Jim Acosta's pass in 2018 on similar grounds. Trump had anticipated the ruling, calling Kelly 'totally disloyal.' The decision is seen as a setback for Trump's effort to punish disfavored journalists.
Read sourceTrump-Appointed Judge Blocks President's Ban on CNN, MSNBC, Politico
A federal judge in Washington, D.C., temporarily blocked President Donald Trump's attempt to ban CNN, MSNBC, and Politico from the White House, ordering the restoration of their reporters' hard passes. U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Kelly, a Trump appointee, ruled that the sudden revocation appeared inconsistent with due process requirements under D.C. Circuit precedents, specifically citing the 1977 case Sherill v. Knight and the 2018 case Karem v. Trump. The White House had revoked the passes after Trump announced the ban, citing alleged 'fake news' and negative coverage. Judge Kelly expressed skepticism about the administration's post-hoc national security justification, noting that Trump's initial statements focused on the outlets' 'lack of truthfulness and negativity' rather than security concerns. The ruling does not address First Amendment claims of viewpoint discrimination but signals potential difficulty for the administration's effort to punish disfavored journalists. Kelly had previously issued a similar order in 2018 restoring CNN reporter Jim Acosta's pass.
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