CNN, MS NOW and Politico urge judge to block White House long-term ban

• US District Judge Timothy Kelly temporarily blocked the ban on September 24, ruling it likely violated the outlets' constitutional right to fair treatment under the Fifth Amendment
• The outlets argue the ban is unlawful retaliation for coverage, while the Justice Department claims they endangered national security by publishing classified information about Trump's White House ballroom construction and Republican convention turnout
• The case arrives as Trump's approval ratings hit career lows amid concerns over the Iran war and inflation, with Republicans fighting to retain congressional control in the upcoming November 3 midterms

Summary: Major News Outlets Challenge White House Press Ban in Federal Court

CNN, MS NOW, and Politico appeared in Washington federal court Thursday seeking to extend a preliminary injunction against President Donald Trump's revocation of their White House press credentials.

Key Developments:

• US District Judge Timothy Kelly temporarily blocked the ban on September 24, ruling it likely violated the outlets' Fifth Amendment rights to fair treatment
• The outlets are now requesting a permanent order blocking the ban pending final resolution
• Judge Kelly previously blocked Trump from revoking CNN reporter Jim Acosta's press pass during his first term

Background:

Trump revoked the outlets' White House access for publishing what he labeled "FAKE NEWS," marking an escalation in his campaign against unfavorable media coverage. The ban was issued weeks before the November 3 midterm elections.

Legal Arguments:

• News Outlets: Claim the ban constitutes unlawful retaliation for their coverage and dispute administration's justification. They argue national security concerns are meritless.
• Justice Department: Asserts the outlets endangered national security by publishing classified information, citing stories about White House ballroom construction and Republican convention turnout.

Judge Kelly reportedly expressed skepticism about the government's arguments during a September 23 hearing.

Political Context:

The legal battle occurs as Republicans fight to retain Congressional control in the midterms, with Trump's approval ratings at career lows amid concerns over the Iran war and inflation. Trump has suggested he might ban additional outlets but acknowledged uncertainty about court approval.

The case centers on fundamental questions of press freedom, executive power, and First and Fifth Amendment protections.