Trump's own statements could become key evidence in press-ban lawsuit
Legal scholars say Donald Trump's repeated attacks on the media may serve as the strongest proof in a new lawsuit over his recent White House press ban.
Donald Trump declared on Truth Social that MS NOW, several outlets would no longer be allowed White House access, accusing them of spreading lies. The ban was quickly enforced as reporters from those outlets were denied entry, prompting condemnation from numerous news organizations. In response, the three outlets filed a lawsuit claiming the exclusion violates the principle that government facilities must remain open to the press regardless of viewpoint.
During a discussion on MS NOW, a Hofstra law professor cited a recent appellate opinion by Judge Neomi Rao, which underscored the illegality of viewpoint-based bans. He further noted that Trump's own statements repeatedly disparaging the targeted outlets provide the strongest evidence of discrimination. Consequently, the White House press pool, led by one outlet' Washington Bureau Chief, announced a boycott, joining several outlets and Fox in refusing to cover presidential events.
Why it matters
The case could set a precedent on whether a president can block specific news outlets from White House access.
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