DoJ defends Trump's White House media ban ahead of emergency hearing

The US Department of Justice has defended President Donald Trump’s ban of CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, urging a federal court to reject the outlets’ request to restore their access hours before an emergency hearing on Wednesday.

In a filing late on Tuesday, the department argued that the ban does not breach First Amendment protections. “After all, access to the White House is a privilege—not a right,” it said, contending the outlets had “failed to maintain basic minimum standards of professionalism and decorum” and published “sensitive or classified information”, while spreading “falsehoods” that threatened national security.

The filing disclosed letters dated 22 September sent to the three outlets by the White House Press Office, citing a “non-exhaustive list of reporting incidents” — including CNN’s reporting on construction details of an East Wing bunker and US munitions stockpiles during the Iran war, funding for a White House ballroom, and Politico’s coverage of Russia sanctions. The outlets have until 5pm on Friday to contest the decision, after which it becomes final.

CNN, MS NOW and Politico sued on Monday, alleging the ban violates the First Amendment and their due-process rights. They say the ban, which Trump announced on Friday on Truth Social as “effective immediately”, is retaliation for their coverage.

A hearing is set for 3:30pm on Wednesday in Washington before US District Judge Timothy Kelly, who will consider the outlets’ request for a temporary restraining order restoring their access.