- Federal judge temporarily blocks Trump's ban on major TV networks.
- White House ordered to restore access for CNN, MS NOW, Politico.
- Ruling seen as victory for press freedom against Trump administration.
Washington: In a major blow to US President Donald Trump’s move to ban major TV network in the White House, a federal judge early on Thursday temporarily blocked his move. Earlier last week, Trump ordered a blanket ban three news- CNN, MS NOW and Politico— from the White House grounds. The court ordered the White House to restore their access.
It's the latest development in an escalating showdown between Trump and media outlets whose coverage he dislikes. Trump announced he was banning the outlets September 18, assailing what he called "fake news." More recently, the president has said negative coverage was dangerous for the country.
The outlets argued they were singled out because of the content of their coverage - in other words, viewpoint discrimination - and called the ban a "blatant violation" of the First Amendment. US District Judge Timothy Kelly - who Trump nominated in 2017 and who ordered a CNN journalist's access restored in a similar case in 2018 - heard arguments on Wednesday and ended the hearing without ruling.
On Thursday, he issued a temporary restraining order that will be in effect for 14 days. Such orders are typically designed to preserve the status quo pending a closer review of the case by the court.
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