September 28, 2026 · Information Integrity, Press & Democratic Norms
· Litigation
Developing
News Outlets Ask Judge to Bar White House From Reviving Its Ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico
On Sept. 28, 2026, lawyers for CNN, MS NOW and Politico asked a judge to preliminarily enjoin the White House from reviving its ban on the outlets, saying officials have "persisted in unpredictably and inconsistently" enforcing it despite a restraining order. The filing cites the White House barring CNN from pool duties Sept. 26 and from Air Force One Sept. 27.
The case tests whether the White House can tie press access to favorable coverage without violating the First Amendment. Attorney General Todd Blanche says access is "a privilege, and not a right"; the judge who granted the restraining order called the government's security rationale doubtful.
The restraining order, from U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly, expires Oct. 8. A ruling on the injunction is pending.
The case tests whether the White House can tie press access to favorable coverage without violating the First Amendment. Attorney General Todd Blanche says access is "a privilege, and not a right"; the judge who granted the restraining order called the government's security rationale doubtful.
The restraining order, from U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly, expires Oct. 8. A ruling on the injunction is pending.