DOJ Seeks to Reinstate White House Press Restrictions

The Justice Department is asking a federal judge to reject CNN, MS NOW and Politico’s request for longer court protection from White House access restrictions, arguing that President Donald Trump should be allowed to reinstate the ban while their lawsuit proceeds. In a Friday court filing, the department urged U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly to deny the outlets’ motion for a preliminary injunction. The filing said the president may restrict their access based on his determination that they failed to meet standards of professionalism and published reporting that could harm national security. The department argued it need not prove the material was classified to justify limiting access. The outlets sued after Trump announced on September 18 that they would be barred from White House grounds. Kelly later issued a temporary order restoring their access, and the organizations are seeking an injunction that would extend the protection during the litigation. The court has scheduled a hearing for Thursday, and Kelly has indicated he will rule promptly. The precise expiration date of the temporary order is not clear from the available accounts.