From Vox · Caitlin Dewey · · 1m 50s
Trump's press ban is likely headed for defeat
A Trump-appointed judge seemed skeptical of the administration's security justification for barring CNN, MSNBC, and Politico from the White House.
In brief
A Trump-appointed judge seemed skeptical of the administration's security justification for barring CNN, MSNBC, and Politico from the White House. Courts remain a key check on executive power, even when the judge was appointed by the president himself. Originally reported by Vox.
Trump bars three news outlets
The White House banned CNN, MSNBC, and Politico from the grounds last week, citing security concerns. A hearing on the ban took place on September 23, 2026.
The judge looked unconvinced
Trump-appointed Judge Timothy Kelly appeared skeptical of the Justice Department's national security arguments during the hearing. He said he would rule as soon as possible.
Trump undermined his own case
Trump himself weakened the security argument by saying he singled out these outlets over negative and inaccurate stories. The real reason appeared to be retaliation for coverage he disliked.
Even Fox News protested
Fox News and other outlets boycotted White House events this week to protest the ban. The move showed Trump lacked support even from typically friendly media.
A broader pattern of media control
The press ban is part of a larger strategy: Trump has taken control of the press pool, mobilized the FCC against critics, and threatened to revoke broadcast licenses of stations airing unfavorable coverage.
The FCC is reviewing licenses
The FCC has mysteriously pulled some broadcast licenses for unscheduled review. The threat alone forced late-night host Jimmy Kimmel to cancel an interview two weeks ago.
This playbook echoes authoritarians
Viktor Orbán in Hungary and Vladimir Putin in Russia used similar tactics: weaponizing broadcast regulations and revoking press credentials to suppress independent media.
“These are things that are done by regimes that we do not want to emulate.”
Courts remain a crucial check
Unlike Hungary and Russia, the US has an independent court system. Judge Kelly's skepticism suggests courts may still block Trump's attempts to suppress the press.
The bottom line
Courts remain a key check on executive power, even when the judge was appointed by the president himself.
