Judge Critiques Trump Administration's Media Ban Process

<figure><img alt="GettyImages-1228302222_rdklch" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/VV5GTISQZJFCNHTCREBPGSRAMQ.jpg?auth=2dae30642d422d528e4091da8f7406f0371a9d1316172e72d01261931dfcf505&amp;smart=true&amp;width=2559&amp;height=1440" /><figcaption>MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images</figcaption></figure><p>On September 23, 2026, Judge Timothy Kelly held an emergency hearing regarding a media ban imposed by President Trump, which revoked access to the White House for reporters from CNN, MS NOW, and POLITICO. Judge Kelly stated that the administration did not follow due process in executing the ban, as the affected journalists were not given proper notice or an opportunity to contest the decision.</p><p>The hearing was prompted by an amicus brief filed by the Daily Beast, the White House Correspondents Association, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, and nearly 50 other news organizations, urging the court to overturn the ban. Judge Kelly emphasized the importance of due process, stating, "process wasn’t played out here."</p><p>President Trump announced the media ban on September 21, citing the outlets' reporting as “constant” fake news and “purposefully negative.” The reporters were denied access starting September 22, with their credentials deactivated.</p><p>During the hearing, First Amendment lawyer Ted Boutrous criticized the administration's actions as retaliatory and excessive, arguing that the ban was unjustified based on the content of the reporting. He noted that one of the articles that drew the president's ire discussed the atmosphere at a recent Republican convention.</p><p>In response, Justice Department lawyer Michael Velchik contended that access to the White House is a privilege, not a right, and suggested that the court should delay restoring credentials until after Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Washington, citing national security concerns.</p><p>Judge Kelly did not issue an immediate ruling but indicated he would do so as soon as possible. The media ban has disrupted the television coverage system for the president's upcoming engagements, including the United Nations General Assembly, as CNN was scheduled to serve as the rotating television pool network.</p><p>On the same day, the White House Correspondents’ Association reiterated its stance against the ban, asserting that the government cannot remove journalists based on their reporting, as it constitutes viewpoint discrimination and violates the First Amendment, according to WHCA president Jacqui Heinrich.</p>