Court Orders White House to Reinstate CNN, MSNBC, Politico Passes

Judge Kelly ordered reinstatement of CNN, MSNBC, and Politico White House passes on Sept. 24.

On September 18, 2026, President Donald Trump announced on social media that reporters from CNN, MSNBC, and Politico would be barred from White House grounds, effectively revoking their press credentials. In response, these organizations filed a lawsuit on September 21 alleging violations of their First Amendment rights and due process under the Constitution. The plaintiffs argued that they were denied proper notice and an opportunity to challenge the revocations before being excluded.

On September 24, U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly granted a 14-day temporary restraining order requiring the White House to immediately reinstate the press passes. This injunction was ordered to prevent irreparable harm to the news organizations pending further adjudication.

Judge Kelly's order highlighted the constitutional rights at issue, stating that the government must provide notice and an opportunity to be heard before depriving individuals of press credentials, which are protected interests under the First Amendment and due process clause. The ruling underscored that the White House's failure to afford advance notice or a hearing was unlawful—a foundational principle confirmed by independent reports, including coverage by The New York Times.

Ted Boutrous, attorney for the plaintiffs, told Axios that "the court’s swift order vindicates freedom of the press, due process, and the rule of law." This case illustrates the judiciary's ongoing role in safeguarding constitutional protections amid executive actions that affect media access.

For legal professionals advising media entities or governmental bodies, this development underscores the necessity of compliance with constitutional due process requirements before revoking credentials or access. It also highlights potential legal risk when executive authority is exercised without procedural safeguards.