24 September 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) has joined nearly 50 news organisations and media groups in filing an amicus brief urging a federal court to reverse the Trump administration’s ban on CNN, MS NOW and POLITICO from the White House.
The brief was filed on September 23 in support of the three outlets, which are separately challenging the administration’s decision in federal court.
WHCA Backs Legal Challenge
The WHCA said it joined the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and nearly 50 news organisations in asking the court to restore access for the three outlets.
The association argued in its filing that government officials cannot exclude journalists because they dislike their reporting and described such action as viewpoint discrimination under the First Amendment.
CNN, MS NOW and POLITICO Sue Administration
The three news organisations filed a federal lawsuit earlier this week challenging their exclusion from the White House.
They argue that the ban violates constitutional protections for freedom of speech and the press and that their access was revoked without adequate notice or an opportunity to challenge the decision.
A federal judge heard arguments in the case on September 23 but did not immediately issue a ruling. Judge Timothy Kelly indicated that a decision would follow.
Why Trump Banned the Outlets
President Donald Trump announced the ban on September 18, accusing CNN, MS NOW and POLITICO of publishing what he called “fake news.”
The administration has also cited concerns about reports that it says involved sensitive or classified information and potential national-security implications. The Justice Department has argued that access to the White House is a privilege rather than an absolute right.
Administration Defends Decision
In court filings, the Justice Department defended the administration’s decision and said the affected outlets had failed to meet standards of professionalism and decorum and had published information that officials considered sensitive.
The government is asking the court to reject the media organisations’ request for a temporary restraining order restoring their access.
Media Groups Raise First Amendment Concerns
The Reporters Committee and participating media organisations argue that the dispute involves broader questions about government control over press access.
Their brief asks the court to immediately restore access to CNN, MS NOW and POLITICO and contends that excluding journalists because of their reporting is unconstitutional.
White House Press Pool Disrupted
The dispute has also affected the traditional White House television press pool, in which major networks share the responsibility and costs of covering presidential events.
After CNN was prevented from carrying out an assigned pool duty, other major television networks suspended presidential pool coverage in solidarity, according to reports.
Broader Dispute Over White House Media Access
The latest case follows earlier disputes between the Trump administration and news organisations over access to presidential events.
The administration has previously restricted access for the Associated Press, while journalists and media organisations have challenged other restrictions in court.
Court Decision Awaited
The federal court’s decision could determine whether CNN, MS NOW and POLITICO regain access to White House grounds while their broader legal challenge continues.
For now, the administration maintains that it has authority to regulate access, while the affected outlets and supporting media organisations argue that the restrictions improperly target journalism based on its content.