Outlets seek court order preserving White House access

CNN, MS NOW and Politico have asked a federal judge to issue a preliminary injunction preserving their access to the White House while their lawsuit challenging the administration’s ban proceeds. The request would extend protections currently provided by a temporary restraining order; Judge Timothy Kelly has not yet ruled on the new motion. Kelly’s order restored the outlets’ access for two weeks after the administration revoked reporters’ credentials and barred them from the White House grounds. The order is reported to expire October 8. The outlets say a preliminary injunction is needed to maintain access while the case is litigated. Such an injunction would remain in place during the lawsuit, unless changed by an appeals court or a later ruling. In their filing, the organizations argue that the ban violates the First Amendment and due-process protections. They contend the administration targeted their reporting because President Donald Trump disliked its coverage. The outlets also say actions taken after the temporary order show that the administration could reinstate a complete ban if the court does not grant further protection.