CNN, MS NOW and Politico have sued the administration of US President Donald Trump, asking a federal court to restore their journalists’ access to the White House after their press credentials were revoked.
The three media organisations filed the case on Monday at the US District Court for the District of Columbia, challenging the administration’s decision to bar their reporters from the White House.
The lawsuit centres on the organisations’ First Amendment rights and their argument that the government cannot restrict journalists’ access because of disagreements with their reporting.
The dispute began after Trump announced on Friday that CNN, MS NOW and Politico would be excluded from the White House. He accused the outlets of publishing what he described as “FICTION and LIES” about him, his administration and the United States.
The White House subsequently implemented the decision. Reporters from the three organisations were stopped from entering the premises on Saturday, with their press credentials confiscated.
In a joint statement on Monday, the organisations said the credentials were withdrawn without notice or due process because of objections to their journalism.
“This morning, we notified the government that we are filing a lawsuit today to protect our First Amendment rights and defend the principle that the government does not decide what the press reports or publishes,” they said.
They warned that allowing the decision to stand could have broader implications for independent journalism and the public’s access to information.
“Left unchallenged, this threatens press freedom and the public’s right to independent journalism free from government interference,” the organisations said.
The media groups are seeking a court order restoring their White House access while their legal challenge proceeds.
Reuters reported that emergency proceedings in the case could begin as early as this week.
CNN, MS NOW, Politico sue Trump administration over White House press ban
