CNN, MS NOW and Politico Prepare Press-Ban Challenge as Trump Ally Cites 1965 Ruling
Updated
Updated · CNN · Sep 20
CNN, MS NOW and Politico Prepare Press-Ban Challenge as Trump Ally Cites 1965 Ruling
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Sep 20
Summary
Three outlets—CNN, MS NOW and Politico—are preparing court filings within days to seek an injunction or temporary restraining order against President Donald Trump’s White House press ban.
Mike Waltz, Trump’s UN ambassador, defended the restriction on CNN by citing the 1965 Supreme Court case Zemel v. Rusk, arguing a president can limit access to government facilities.
Press-freedom lawyers say the stronger legal issue is viewpoint discrimination because Trump explicitly tied the ban to coverage he considers “negative,” a rationale courts have repeatedly rejected when press access is broadly open.
The National Press Club, White House Correspondents’ Association, Washington Post and voices on Fox News all condemned the move, reflecting unusual cross-newsroom solidarity and concern that other outlets could be targeted next.
Advocates say the case could shape future administrations’ power over media access, warning that allowing selective bans would set a broader censorship precedent.