WASHINGTON, October 14, 2026 — A US federal judge on Tuesday directed the Trump administration to preserve White House press credentials for journalists working for CNN, MS NOW and Politico while their legal challenge against the administration’s restrictions continues.
US District Judge Timothy Kelly approved a request from the three media organizations for a preliminary injunction, preventing the administration from enforcing its September 18 decision to withdraw the journalists’ White House hard-pass credentials.
The ruling maintains the existing arrangements established under a temporary restraining order issued by the court on September 24, according to the judge’s order.
President Donald Trump announced the restrictions on September 18, accusing the three outlets of publishing what he described as “fake news” and providing critical coverage of his administration.
Three days later, CNN, MS NOW and Politico filed a lawsuit arguing that the decision violated the First and Fifth Amendments to the US Constitution. These constitutional provisions protect freedoms including the press and provide safeguards concerning due process.
Judge Kelly subsequently issued a temporary restraining order requiring the administration to restore the affected journalists’ press credentials.
The latest decision ensures that the journalists retain access to the White House while the court considers the broader legal dispute.
PRESS UPDATE