White House Press Ban on Politico, MS NOW and CNN Challenged in Court

In mid-to-late September 2026, the Trump administration revoked hard press badges and White House complex access for journalists from Politico, MS NOW and CNN. The ban, which took effect around September 19-20, prompted the affected outlets to pursue legal action challenging the decision. On September 23, U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly, a Trump appointee, held a hearing on the matter and stated that due process "wasn't followed" in how the ban was implemented, signaling skepticism toward the administration's position. Separately, Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) publicly defended the administration on September 20, saying he did not believe the ban violated the Constitution. Amid the dispute, several major U.S. television networks agreed not to cover President Trump while the standoff continued. On September 22, the White House launched a 24/7 YouTube live stream, describing it as a way to share administration announcements and updates directly with the public. As of the most recent reporting, the legal challenge remains pending before Judge Kelly, with no final ruling confirmed in the supplied reporting. It is unresolved whether the press badges will be reinstated or under what terms the dispute might be settled. Reports differ in framing: some characterize the episode primarily as a due-process and First Amendment legal question, while others place it within a broader narrative about the administration's relationship with the press and its response to unfavorable news cycles, including economic reports preceding the ban.