Trump bans three major outlets

President Trump revoked White House press credentials for CNN, MS Now and Politico. The outlets sued on Monday, claiming the ban violates their constitutional rights.

DOJ claims national security threat

The Justice Department filed Tuesday defending the ban, saying the three outlets published classified information and spread falsehoods about White House construction, ammunition stockpiles and Iran.

Outlets cite First Amendment rights

CNN, MS Now and Politico argue the ban directly violates the First Amendment and denies them due process under the Fifth Amendment without warning or appeal.

“This ban could not be a more direct assault on the First Amendment nor a more blatant violation of our most fundamental constitutional principles.”

White House says access is privilege

The DOJ argues that White House access is a privilege, not a right, and Trump revoked it because the outlets failed to maintain professional standards.

“After all, access to the White House is a privilege, not a right.”

Specific reporting cited in letters

White House letters dated September twenty-second accused CNN and MS Now of jeopardizing security by reporting on the East Wing bunker and ammunition depletion. Politico was rebuked for coverage of Russia sanctions and the Republican convention.

Pattern of press restrictions

Trump previously revoked credentials for CNN correspondent Jim Acosta and denied Associated Press access over its refusal to call the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America. That case remains in court.

Federal court hears case Wednesday

An emergency session in federal court in Washington, D.C. is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon to decide whether the outlets' White House access should be restored.