CNN, MS NOW and Politico are suing the Trump administration after journalists are barred

Three news outlets to sue Trump over White House ban/Image: Reuters

The three organisations said the administration revoked their journalists’ credentials without notice or a process for challenging the decision. CNN, MS NOW and Politico are suing the Trump administration after journalists are barred from White House, arguing that the move violates their First Amendment rights. The case could lead to hearings and arguments over the White House’s decision as early as this week. Trump also indicated that other news organisations could face similar restrictions.

The three news organisations notified the administration on Monday that they were taking legal action and asked a federal court in Washington to restore their access. The lawsuit follows President Donald Trump’s announcement on Friday that the three outlets would be barred from the White House over coverage he described as negative. The restrictions were enforced on Saturday when reporters from the three organisations arrived to cover the administration.

At least one Trump administration official has argued that a 1965 Supreme Court ruling concerning passport restrictions could support the president’s position.

“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,” the outlets said in a joint statement. The three news organisations have said they will continue covering the Trump administration despite being denied physical access to the White House. The administration, meanwhile, has pointed to its authority over access to the White House.