White House Blocks CNN, MS NOW From Xi Dinner Despite 14-Day Court Order
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Sep 25
White House Blocks CNN, MS NOW From Xi Dinner Despite 14-Day Court Order
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Sep 25
Summary
CNN and MS NOW said White House staff barred their reporters from Thursday night’s state dinner for Xi Jinping, even after a federal judge ordered their access restored.
Judge Timothy Kelly had ruled overnight that bans on CNN, MS NOW and Politico were likely unconstitutional, ordering press passes returned immediately and enforcement halted for 14 days.
CNN said the White House, about an hour before Xi arrived, would allow only a photojournalist and audio technician—not a reporting team—while MS NOW said its reporter was told to contact the communications director.
The clash followed a chaotic day in which all three outlets first reported being denied entry again Thursday morning, then regained access after an emergency court push and a filing saying badges were restored by 09:45 local time.
Trump imposed the ban last week over alleged 'fake news'; more than 50 media organizations backed the outlets’ lawsuit, and several major networks have not yet resumed White House broadcast coverage in solidarity.