President Donald Trump expelled three media outlets—CNN, MS NOW, and Politico—from the White House on the morning of the 24th. Just days earlier, on the 22nd, the Justice Department accused the networks of threatening national security.
White House Expels CNN, MS NOW, and Politico on the 24th
Judge Timothy Kelly Rules Ban Violates Due Process
A federal court struck back swiftly. Judge Timothy Kelly ruled that the White House failed to follow “proper procedural safeguards” before banning the networks. He dismissed the administration’s justification as insufficient under due process rules. The decision marked a rare judicial rebuke of executive branch overreach in media access, ordering a 14-day suspension of the entry restrictions and the immediate return of press credentials.
Temporary Credential Reinstatement Followed by State Dinner Bar
The White House notified the networks at 9:45 a.m. that their press credentials had been returned. The compliance was short-lived. Later that evening, reporters from CNN and MS NOW were barred from a formal dinner with Xi Jinping, defying the court’s earlier directive and underscoring the administration’s resistance to judicial oversight.
Reporters Denied Entry as Coverage Restricted to Technicians
One hour before Xi’s arrival, the White House restricted coverage to only photojournalists and audio technicians, CNN reported. MS NOW’s Laura Barron-Lopez was denied entry and instructed to contact the White House press office. Televised coverage of Trump’s arrival to greet Xi was also partially restricted.
White House Cites National Security on X While Broadcasters Pause Coverage
Defending the limits, a White House spokesperson posted on X: “Fake news is not the reality that media can freely enter every location, every event, and every press conference at the White House.” In response to the standoff, FOX News, NBC, CBS, and ABC paused coverage of the White House. They have not yet announced when they will resume, leaving the future of press access deeply uncertain.