Judge Timothy Kelly issued the ruling overnight, citing a likely violation of constitutional due‑process rights in the abrupt revocation of the three outlets’ credentials. The decision overturned President Trump’s Friday ban, which had been justified on grounds of "fake news" and alleged national‑security breaches.
The federal court’s order followed a joint lawsuit filed by CNN, MS NOW and Politico, which sought a temporary restraining order against the ban. The Department of Justice had argued that access to the White House is a privilege, not a right, but the judge found the administration’s expulsion lacked notice and an opportunity to be heard.
In a statement released after the ruling, ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and even Bloomberg said they would halt pool coverage in solidarity with CNN. The White House Press Office had earlier accused CNN of publishing “verifiable falsehoods” about national security, citing stories on the U.S.–Iran war and alleged top‑secret construction details.
Betsy Klein, a CNN anchor who was briefly turned away when she tried to re‑enter the White House driveway, said on the air, "I’m glad to be back." Journalists from other outlets gathered around her tent, filming her live report as the doors finally opened.
The judge’s decision will appear in the federal docket by Friday, and the three outlets will resume coverage of the Oval Office, including the upcoming visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The White House is expected to revise its credentialing procedures in response to the ruling.