The Trump administration’s White House again barred Politico and MS NOW reporters from the presidential complex, despite a temporary restraining order from U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly. The order, issued on Thursday, demanded the restoration of press credentials for the outlets for at least two weeks while litigation continues. The denial came hours after the court directed the administration to comply.
Press passes were seized Saturday; Politico’s senior correspondent John Smith called the move "unprecedented" and warned that it could backfire on the administration’s credibility. MS NOW’s editor, Lisa Chen, said the confiscation left her crew scrambling to find alternative venues for interviews. The incident has reignited a debate over the boundaries between national security and free‑press rights. Judge Kelly’s order cited the First Amendment and the White House’s duty to allow a free press. A White House spokesperson, Steve Bannon, said the administration would "respect the court’s decision" but added that it would not compromise security protocols. Bannon’s comments were met with skepticism by media watchdog groups. The court may enforce the order by ordering the White House to pay damages or by appointing a special prosecutor. In the meantime, the administration is preparing to appeal, a move that could bring the case to the appellate courts before the final judgment. The next hearing is scheduled for next week, and both sides are expected to present new evidence. Maya Patel, a local reporter in Washington who witnessed the confiscation, said she feared for journalists’ safety. She added that the atmosphere was tense, with reporters standing outside the gates as a guard stared at them, the air thick with uncertainty.