Media outlets seek court order to keep White House press passes amid ban challenge

In Washington, three news outlets asked a federal judge to keep in place a temporary injunction that halted President Donald Trump's revocation of their White House press passes. Judge Timothy Kelly had blocked the ban on the basis that it likely violated the Fifth Amendment right to fair treatment, though he has not ruled on First Amendment claims. The outlets contend the ban is unlawful retaliation for their reporting, while the Justice Department maintains the publications endangered national security by revealing classified information about the White House ballroom and a recent Republican convention.

At a hearing on September 23, the judge appeared doubtful of the administration’s justification. The media groups are seeking an order that extends the block until a final ruling is issued, a dispute that unfolds weeks before the November 3 midterm elections.