US Judge Temporarily Blocks Trump's Ban on Three News Outlets at White House

A federal judge in Washington has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump's order barring three news organisations from the White House grounds, directing that CNN, MS NOW and Politico be allowed back in.

The ruling, issued early Thursday by U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly, takes the form of a temporary restraining order that will remain in force for 14 days. Such orders are generally intended to maintain the existing situation while a court examines the case more closely.

The decision follows a hearing on Wednesday, at which Judge Kelly heard arguments from both sides and concluded proceedings without issuing an immediate ruling. He is a Trump nominee from 2017 and previously ordered the restoration of a CNN journalist's access in a comparable case in 2018.

Trump announced the ban on September 18, attacking the outlets over what he described as "fake news." He has since said that negative coverage poses a danger to the country.

The three outlets challenged the move in court, contending that they were targeted because of the content of their reporting — a form of viewpoint discrimination — and describing the ban as a "blatant violation" of the First Amendment.

The case is the latest stage in a widening confrontation between the president and media organisations whose coverage he objects to.