From CNBC · Dan Mangan · · 1m 30s
DOJ defends Trump's ban of three news outlets
The Justice Department argues the President has the right to exclude media from the White House over national security concerns.
In brief
The Justice Department argues the President has the right to exclude media from the White House over national security concerns. The DOJ told a federal judge that Trump's ban of MS NOW, CNN and Politico from the White House is legal, citing national security risks and arguing access is a privilege, not a right…
Trump bans three news outlets
President Donald Trump summarily banned MS NOW, CNN and Politico from the White House on Friday, September eighteenth, twenty twenty-six.
DOJ defends the ban in court
The Department of Justice urged a federal judge not to block the ban, filing arguments late Tuesday evening ahead of a Wednesday hearing in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C.
Access is a privilege, not a right
The DOJ told Judge Timothy Kelly that White House access is a privilege, not a right, and Trump has no obligation to grant it to news organizations.
“Access to the White House is a privilege, not a right.”
National security justification cited
The DOJ said Trump was motivated by concerns about national security, claiming the three outlets reported classified or sensitive information bearing on national security matters.
Outlets claim viewpoint discrimination
The media outlets filed a lawsuit Monday arguing Trump's ban was motivated by viewpoint discrimination, targeting them for their perceived ideology, opinion or perspective rather than security.
Outlets get chance to respond
The DOJ gave each outlet letters dated Tuesday with a chance to contest the ban and its factual basis. They must submit responses by five p.m. on Friday, September twenty-fifth, twenty twenty-six.
“Plaintiffs may submit any response by 5:00 pm on Friday, September 25, 2026.”
What matters most
The DOJ told a federal judge that Trump's ban of MS NOW, CNN and Politico from the White House is legal, citing national security risks and arguing access is a privilege, not a right.
