CNN, MS NOW, Politico ask judge to extend block on White House ban - Reuters

A federal judge in Washington was asked on Sept. 28 to issue a preliminary injunction that would keep several news organizations’ access to the White House while they contest a ban imposed by the president. The request seeks to extend a temporary restraining order that had been granted earlier in the month.

The media companies filed a lawsuit on Sept. 21, arguing that the ban constitutes unlawful viewpoint discrimination in violation of the First Amendment, which protects freedom of speech and of the press. Their complaint contends that the president’s action suppresses coverage that the outlets deem critical.

Judge Timothy Kelly had previously issued a 14‑day temporary restraining order, finding that the bans were likely to infringe the plaintiffs’ right to fair legal treatment. The current filing asks the court to maintain that protection until a final decision on the case is reached.

The Justice Department maintains that the president acted within his authority, asserting that the outlets’ reporting threatened national security by disclosing classified information. In a social‑media post on Sept. 18, the president said the ban was imposed because the outlets were “reporting fake news” and should not be allowed to “constantly write or report fiction and lies.”

The president’s confrontations with the press have been a recurring feature of his second term, including personal defamation lawsuits against other major newspapers and broadcasters. The present litigation adds another chapter to the ongoing dispute over the scope of executive power and press freedom.