CNN, MS NOW and Politico seek longer block on White House access ban

Three news organisations asked a federal judge in Washington, DC, late on Monday to issue a preliminary injunction that would keep their White House access intact while they challenge President Donald Trump's ban on them.

CNN, MS NOW and Politico are seeking the order to preserve their credentials until the court reaches a final decision in their case.

US District Judge Timothy Kelly had earlier granted a 14-day temporary restraining order against the bans, finding that they likely infringed the outlets' right to fair legal treatment.

In a lawsuit filed on September 21, the outlets argued that the bans amounted to unlawful viewpoint discrimination under the First Amendment of the Constitution, which protects free speech and a free press.

The Justice Department has maintained that Trump acted lawfully, saying he determined their coverage threatened national security by disclosing classified information.

Trump announced the bans in a September 18 social media post, saying the outlets were being punished for "reporting FAKE NEWS" and that they "shouldn't be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES."

The president has repeatedly clashed with the press during his second term and has personally sued outlets including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and the BBC for defamation.