Media Outlets Return To White House Following Judge's Order

UPDATE - follow-up to CNN, MS NOW, Politico still barred from White House despite court ruling: CNN, MS NOW and Politico gained entry back into the White House on September 24, 2026, after a federal judge ordered their access restored. District Judge Timothy Kelly ruled that revoking their press credentials likely violated their constitutional due process rights. Secret Service agents initially turned away reporters early Thursday ahead of a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping, but journalists were allowed inside by midday. CNN reporter Betsy Klein went live from the network's tent after returning, welcomed by reporters from other outlets. The three news organizations had requested an urgent court hearing earlier that day because reporters were barred despite the judge's order. Judge Kelly stated that individuals must receive notice and an opportunity to be heard before the government deprives them of a protected interest. U.S. President Donald Trump had banned the outlets on September 25 for distributing fake news, fiction and lies. The media companies filed a joint lawsuit arguing the ban violates the First Amendment. The Department of Justice argued that access to the White House is a privilege rather than a right and that the president can control reporter access to restricted areas. The White House Press Office accused CNN, MS NOW and Politico of trafficking in falsehoods and publishing sensitive or classified information. Letters cited stories about the U.S.-Iran war and plans for a military bunker below the East Wing ballroom. Judge Kelly remained skeptical that national security was the actual motivation behind revoking the hard passes. In solidarity, the top five U.S. broadcasters—ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox and NBC—halted pool coverage of the White House in a rare move.