# DOJ Defends White House News Bans

> DOJ says White House access is a privilege, not a right, to protect national security.
- Title: DOJ Defends White House News Bans · ABC7 New York | Shortify
- Summary: DOJ says White House access is a privilege, not a right, to protect national security. DOJ defends banning CNN, MS NOW and Politico from White House…
- Keywords: doj, white house, president trump, cnn, ms now, politico, first amendment, national security, white house news bans, doj court filing, sherrill v knight, news
- Source: ABC7 New York — https://abc7ny.com/story/doj-defends-white-house-news-bans-saying-access-privilege-citing-national-security-concerns/19861139
- Published: 2026-09-23T13:40:34+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: doj, white house, president trump, cnn, ms now, politico, first amendment, national security, white house news bans, doj court filing, sherrill v knight, news
## DOJ defends White House news bans
The Department of Justice defends President Trump's decision to ban CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House.
## Access is a privilege, not a right
DOJ senior counsel Michael Velchik stated access to the White House is a privilege, not a right.

> access to the white house is a privilege, not a right
## National security concerns cited
The DOJ argues that the president should be able to consider journalists' viewpoints when determining White House access.
## White House bans outlets
The Trump administration banned CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House after they published stories on depleted munitions and Iran negotiations.
## First Amendment lawsuit filed
The three outlets filed a First Amendment lawsuit to restore their access after Trump revoked their journalists' credentials.
## DOJ seeks to overturn Sherrill v Knight
The DOJ argues the 1977 Sherrill v Knight ruling should be overruled because it requires due process for White House access.
## White House claims outlets violated standards
The White House cited stories on depleted munitions, Iran negotiations and East Wing renovations as violations of professional standards.
## Outlets claim access revoked without process
The outlets stated their access was revoked without notice or process because they reported on national security issues.
## Trump calls it an assault on fake news
Trump described the barring of journalists as an assault on 'fake news' rather than the Free Press.
## Key takeaway

DOJ defends banning CNN, MS NOW and Politico from White House, claiming access is a privilege and national security concerns justify the move.