CNN, MS NOW and Politico ask judge to stop Trump from reviving White House ban

CNN, MS NOW and Politico have asked a federal judge to keep them inside the White House while their lawsuit over President Donald Trump's ban proceeds. In a filing submitted late Monday, the three outlets requested a preliminary injunction to replace a temporary restraining order that lapses on October 8, calling the ban an "unlawful assault on the most fundamental First Amendment freedoms.", according to CNN · MS NOW.

Judge Tim Kelly, a Trump appointee from the president's first term, issued the restraining order last week after the administration deactivated the outlets' press badges. He found the White House likely violated due process by giving no advance notice and no chance to contest the ban. He had also rejected the national security rationale at first, though he indicated he might hear more evidence on it.

The outlets contend the administration's own statements show a punitive motive. They note that Trump has defended the ban by citing coverage he dislikes, and that Attorney General Todd Blanche, appearing on Sunday, linked security concerns to "one-sided media coverage." They also point to Saturday's decision to keep a CNN reporter off Air Force One during the Tennessee trip, despite CNN holding the assigned television pool slot, as evidence of erratic enforcement. In their view, the White House would reimpose a full ban immediately if given the chance.

Beyond due process, the outlets urge Kelly to rest an injunction on First Amendment grounds, which they say would head off further "shenanigans." An injunction would also let Trump appeal.

Summarized by PolitiKool from CNN · MS NOW’s reporting. Read the full story at CNN · MS NOW →