Reporters from CNN and MS NOW were barred from covering the state dinner for Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday, despite a federal judge’s overnight ruling that the White House’s ban on three news outlets was likely unconstitutional and must be lifted.
The ruling
Judge Timothy Kelly found the ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico “likely violated their constitutional due process rights” and ordered press passes returned and enforcement halted for 14 days. He cast doubt on the administration’s national security justification, noting the president made no mention of security in his initial announcement: “The record lacks factual support for defendants’ contention that the revocation of plaintiffs’ hard passes will in fact protect national security.”
Turned away again
The outlets were allowed back into the White House grounds on Thursday morning after briefly being refused entry. But by evening, a CNN reporter and producer and an MS NOW reporter said they could not enter to cover guests arriving for the Xi dinner. The outlets said names had been properly submitted for credentials. CNN was told roughly an hour before Xi’s arrival that it could send only a photojournalist and audio technician — not a reporter and producer. MS NOW’s Laura Barron-Lopez said staff told her to contact the White House communications director.
A White House communications account posted on X: “contrary to what the Fake News wants you to believe, they don’t just get to have free rein into every part of the White House, every event, and every press call.” The BBC contacted the White House for comment.
The ban and the backlash
Trump barred the three outlets last week, accusing them of “fake news.” In a Tuesday court filing, the Department of Justice alleged their coverage threatened national security, citing reports on missile stockpiles, construction of the White House ballroom and the recent Republican midterm convention.
Solidarity boycott unresolved
Fox News, NBC, CBS and ABC withdrew coverage in solidarity and have yet to confirm they will return — limiting television coverage as Trump welcomed Xi to the White House.
