CNN Chairman Discusses First Amendment Fight Following Judge's Ruling

<figure><img alt="Donald Trump and Mark Thompson, CEO of CNN." src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/FJQRB2BZC5F7ZERBLZC4RG5RWE.jpg?auth=2594aa5181a960d27fedb18e76082d4eb694a5b8b2ab892319abaf3b25646ee0&amp;smart=true&amp;width=3000&amp;height=1688" /><figcaption>Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Getty/Reuters</figcaption></figure><p>CNN’s chairman and editor-in-chief Mark Thompson made an appearance on the network on Wednesday, where he stated his commitment to the First Amendment following Donald Trump's attempts to restrict access to the White House for CNN and two other news organizations.</p><p>This statement followed a ruling from U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly, who ruled that the White House must grant CNN, MSNOW, and Politico access as the legal case progresses.</p><p>In a 26-page opinion, Judge Kelly, who was appointed by Trump in 2017, indicated that the news organizations are likely to succeed in their claims that the ban violated the First Amendment and due process rights.</p><p>Thompson remarked, “It’s not the end of the matter,” emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance in defending press rights. He expressed that CNN would continue to fight against the ban, stating, “This topic is one we’re never going to back down from.”</p><p>He described the judge's ruling as a “big boost” and a “vote of confidence in free speech,” highlighting the importance of press solidarity in defending rights against government actions, regardless of political affiliation.</p><p>Thompson, who has previously served as president and CEO of The New York Times Company and Director-General of the BBC, stressed the need for the press to remain vigilant against potential government overreach. He noted that when governments face political pressure, there is a risk that fundamental rights may be compromised.</p><p>The ruling follows Trump's announcement of the ban on September 18, which led to the revocation of journalists' hard passes and prompted the news organizations to file a lawsuit.</p>