US Justice Department Defends Trump’s Ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico at White House

The US Justice Department has defended President Donald Trump’s decision to bar CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House. It argues that access to restricted presidential areas is a privilege, not a constitutional right. The outlets sued after their reporters were denied entry and their credentials were deactivated. They want the court to restore access while their wider case proceeds, arguing that the ban violates press freedom and amounts to retaliation for critical reporting. The administration says the affected outlets published reports that threatened national security and spread falsehoods. The organisations reject those claims and say allowing the restriction to stand could let the government decide press access based on favourable coverage. The dispute has also disrupted the White House press pool, with major television networks suspending participation after CNN was prevented from completing a scheduled pool assignment. A federal judge is expected to consider whether the outlets should regain temporary access pending the outcome of the case.

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