A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to reinstate press credentials for CNN, MS NOW, and Politico, following a 14-day restraining order issued in September 2026. The ruling comes as part of an ongoing lawsuit filed by the news outlets against the administration after their access to the White House was revoked. The judge’s decision, issued by Judge Timothy Kelly, requires the administration to restore the credentials but does not resolve the broader legal dispute.
The case began when the Trump administration suspended press credentials for the three outlets, citing alleged violations of security protocols. The outlets challenged the move, arguing it was an attempt to limit media coverage. The temporary restraining order granted in September allowed the outlets to continue operating under the assumption that their credentials would be reinstated. The latest ruling extends this interim measure, ensuring the outlets retain access while the legal battle continues.
This is not the first time the administration has faced legal challenges over its media access policies. In October 2026, a federal judge extended a preliminary injunction blocking the administration’s move to bar the outlets from the White House. The ongoing litigation highlights tensions between the executive branch and the media, particularly in the context of political coverage. The outcome of the case could set a precedent for future press access disputes.
