For a few hours, CNN was not just covering the White House story, it was part of it. After reporters were initially turned away despite a federal court order restoring access, the network was back inside the White House later Thursday, with cameras rolling once again. A federal judge had ordered the Trump administration to immediately restore access to CNN, MS NOW and Politico, setting up a fast-moving confrontation over press access and compliance with the court’s ruling.
U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly issued a temporary order early Thursday requiring the administration to reinstate the outlets’ press credentials, finding that the journalists were likely to succeed in their challenge and that the earlier revocation had occurred without constitutionally adequate due process.
Earlier in the morning, Politico and MS NOW said their reporters were still being turned away despite the court order, and Reuters reported that it was initially unclear whether CNN journalists had been allowed back onto White House grounds.
By later Thursday, however, video from the White House showed CNN broadcasting again from inside the complex, marking the network’s return after the temporary ban.
The development follows several days of confrontation between the White House and the three news organizations. President Donald Trump announced the ban on September 18 after criticizing their coverage. CNN, MS NOW and Politico then sued, arguing that the government could not revoke their access because of reporting the president disliked.
Kelly’s order blocks enforcement of the ban for 14 days while the broader lawsuit continues.
For now, at least, CNN is once again reporting from inside the White House.
By Aziza Smailovic