U.S. District Judge Timothy C. Kelly, overseeing White House press-access cases in D.C., keeps decisions on media access at the center of political debate.
A federal judge has ordered the White House to restore press credentials for CNN, MS NOW and Politico for 14 days, saying the outlets likely suffered due-process violations after the administration revoked their access. The networks had sued, arguing the ban violated the First Amendment; broadcasters have halted pooled TV coverage in solidarity, disrupting live White House footage.
The last of the high-profile Jan. 6 prosecutions has been dismissed or vacated as pardons and commutations reshape the legal landscape surrounding the Capitol attack. Judges have closed remaining cases, arguing the prosecutions should not be revived, while officials emphasize this marks an epilogue to the prosecutions rather than the events themselves.
The federal judge has granted a temporary restraining order lifting the ban on CNN, Politico and MS NOW from White House access, while detailing due process standards and reaffirming press freedom amid clashes with President Trump over coverage.
A District of Columbia court has ordered the temporary restoration of press passes for CNN, Politico and MS Now, ruling the ban likely violated due process and First Amendment rights. The ruling is for 14 days while the case proceeds, with further action expected as the Trump administration fights the decision.