Donald Trump's ban on CNN, Politico and MS NOW entering the White House faces a legal challenge from the three outlets, which he accused of spreading "fake news". Ahead of a ruling on Wednesday on whether to temporarily lift the ban, the Justice Department has filed documents accusing them of "trafficking in verifiable falsehoods" and of reporting that "threatened national security", the BBC reported. Four legal experts cited by the Japan Times said the ban likely runs afoul of US legal prohibitions against viewpoint discrimination by the government.
What does the government's filing say? Lodged in a District of Columbia court, the filing says the White House issued the three outlets with a list of "reporting incidents" before the ban, the BBC reported. It cites stories about construction at the White House, including a security bunker and the building of a new ballroom, as well as a report on an internal information leak investigation. It goes on to say that "access to the White House is a privilege, not a right".
Why are the outlets suing? "Without notice or process, the White House revoked our journalists' credentials because it objected to our reporting," the three outlets said in a joint statement. Their reporters had their passes confiscated and were denied access to the building before the outlets jointly launched legal action, calling the move unconstitutional. They argue the ban breaches their rights under the First Amendment, which forbids the government from "abridging" the freedom of the press.
What do legal experts say? The experts cited by the Japan Times said Trump's justification for the ban could be its undoing, because US courts have long held that the government cannot condition press access on favourable coverage once it has opened a space to the media. The ban is the latest move by his administration to curtail press access, part of a wider pressure campaign against news coverage he dislikes, the Japan Times reported. Trump said on Saturday that he might ban other outlets as well.
How have broadcasters responded? Major TV networks have withdrawn in protest from the pool, the arrangement for sharing video and images of the president, the BBC reported. Shortly afterwards, the White House launched its own streaming channel, which operates a 24/7 feed of clips of the president.
Figures referenced: Donald Trump. — JudgeMarket.
