Judge Orders Trump to Temporarily Restore CNN, MS NOW, and Politico Access to White House

CNN signage on the network's booth in the press area of the White House after journalists with the network were earlier denied entry to the White House grounds in Washington on Sept. 19, 2026. (Graeme Sloan/Getty Images)

By Melanie Sun

Melanie Sun

Melanie is a reporter and editor covering world news. She has a background in environmental research.

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September 24, 2026Updated: September 24, 2026

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A federal judge has temporarily restored White House access for CNN, MS NOW, and Politico while their lawsuit against the Trump administration proceeds.

Federal Judge Timothy Kelly of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued a temporary restraining order against the government ban, reinstating access for CNN, MS NOW and Politico in the early hours of Sept. 24.

President Donald Trump announced on Sept. 18 that he was banning the three news outlets from White House premises over their publishing sensitive or classified information. The White House said such behavior presented risks to national security.

Their access was revoked the following day.

The outlets subsequently filed for a temporary restraining order, and a hearing was held on Sept. 23.

This is a breaking story. Updates to follow.

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