CNN, MS NOW and Politico are getting their White House press passes back after a federal judge temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s decision to ban the three outlets. But getting through the gate doesn’t guarantee a question at the next press briefing.
U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly, appointed by Trump in 2017, issued a 14-day temporary restraining order early Thursday, finding that the outlets were likely to succeed in arguing their credentials were revoked without due process.
The White House cited national security concerns, but Kelly questioned that explanation, noting Trump’s original complaints focused on negative reporting.
The ruling restores access to White House grounds, not unrestricted entry to the Oval Office, Air Force One or other restricted locations. Nor does it require Trump or whoever conducts the next press briefing to call on particular reporters.
Former Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt departed in August, and the White House had not named a permanent replacement as of early September.
The constitutional dispute is about revoking established access because of unfavorable reporting, not whether a president must answer every question. For now, the three outlets can reclaim their credentials. Whether they get answers is another matter.