White House reinstates access for CNN, MSNOW and Politico after court order

After a federal judge ordered an immediate reversal, the White House reinstates access for CNN, MSNOW and Politico, ending a brief press boycott that left the nation without live visuals of President Trump.

White House reinstates access for banned outlets

The order, issued by Trump‑appointed Judge Timothy J. Kelly, cited violations of Fifth Amendment due‑process rights and granted a ↑ 14 days temporary restraining order.

“The plaintiffs have shown a likelihood of success on their procedural claim,” Kelly wrote.

The administration reported that badge retrieval began at 9:55 a.m. ET, though early Thursday attempts to re‑enter the press pool were rebuffed, prompting the outlets to seek an emergency hearing ahead of President Trump’s scheduled meeting with President Xi. Major networks in the rotating television pool are still awaiting confirmation that CNN can operate the cameras. The judge declined a Thursday hearing but set a Sept. 28 deadline for a preliminary injunction, signaling that the court will move swiftly. The White House has signaled an intent to appeal, though legal constraints postpone any filing for two weeks. Outlets that had not been barred pledged to suspend visual feeds until their colleagues were back on the floor, a solidarity move that amplified pressure on the administration. For further context see Reuters and Bloomberg.

Dispatch from Eleanor Cross (Chief Washington Correspondent).