US Judge Orders White House to Temporarily Restore Press Credentials for CNN, MS NOW, Politico

A federal judge on September 24, 2026, ordered the Trump administration to immediately restore White House press credentials for CNN, MS NOW and Politico, issuing a temporary injunction that hands the three outlets an early legal victory. Judge Timothy J. Kelly of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled the news organizations cleared the "high threshold" of showing a likelihood of success on the merits, and said the government's national security justification "barely supports" its position. The dispute began after Trump posted on social media on September 18 criticizing the outlets' coverage. The White House press office then sent letters accusing them of spreading "verifiably false" national security information. Justice Department lawyers argued that access to the White House is "a privilege, not a right." CNN, MS NOW and Politico sued, alleging viewpoint-based discrimination violating the First Amendment and due process under the Fifth Amendment. Dozens of outlets, including The Washington Post and Fox News, filed supporting briefs. Kelly also held that journalists are entitled to prior notice and an opportunity to respond before credentials are revoked.