Politics 3 min read By Morgan Griffin
Trump Defends White House Ban on CNN and MS NOW as Justice Department Faces Wednesday Injunction Hearing
The Justice Department argues the White House press ban on CNN, Politico and MS NOW is lawful under the First Amendment, as a federal judge prepares to hear the outlets' request for an injunction on Wednesday.
The Justice Department is defending President Donald Trump's ban on CNN, Politico and MS NOW from White House grounds, telling a federal judge that the restriction is lawful under the First Amendment. The filing came just before a court-imposed deadline and sets up a Wednesday injunction hearing that could determine whether the three outlets regain access to White House coverage.
The ban, which Trump imposed on the three news organizations, has drawn widespread condemnation from media outlets who argue it is a flagrant violation of the First Amendment. CNN, Politico and MS NOW are suing the president, alleging the restriction abridges their constitutional rights. The Justice Department's response, submitted as the deadline set by a federal judge approached, leans heavily on arguments expected to be tested at the Wednesday hearing.
In response to the ban, other major networks have adjusted their own coverage arrangements. ABC News, CBS News, NBC News and Fox News — which along with CNN traditionally provide the White House press pool — have been affected by the exclusion of the three outlets. The White House also launched a 24-hour livestream, dubbed Trump TV, after the ban took effect. Critics have slammed the channel as «literally state-run TV,» arguing it fills the gap left by the banned outlets with favorable coverage.
The dispute has spilled beyond the courtroom. Trump publicly scolded CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins at the United Nations on Tuesday, appearing surprised to see her among the journalists gathered outside the General Assembly. As Collins attempted to ask a question, Trump told her, «You shouldn't be here!» The exchange occurred while Trump was in New York City to deliver remarks at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The legal fight centers on whether the president can bar specific news organizations from White House grounds without violating the First Amendment's protections for press freedom. The three outlets argue the ban is retaliatory and unconstitutional. The Justice Department's filing insists the restriction is lawful, setting the stage for Wednesday's injunction hearing, where a federal judge will weigh whether to order the White House to restore access while the lawsuit proceeds.
The case has become a flashpoint in the broader debate over press access and political influence. Media advocacy groups and rival networks have warned that excluding individual outlets from White House coverage sets a precedent that could chill reporting. The White House has not indicated whether it would comply with an adverse ruling, and the Wednesday hearing is expected to draw significant attention from news organizations and First Amendment scholars.
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