Justice Department Defends White House Authority to Ban Certain News Outlets

Department of Justice lawyers filed court documents arguing that the White House can legally ban CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from its press credentials. The Hill, Deadline, MS NOW, and The New York Times reported that the government claims President Donald Trump holds the authority to bar outlets that fail to meet standards of professionalism. [1][4][8][9]

The government is fighting against efforts by the three media organizations to stop future press bans. According to Deadline and The Hill, a federal judge previously granted CNN, MS NOW, and Politico a temporary restraining order that forced the White House to maintain their access. [1][4]

The administration argues that the decision relies on whether outlets meet minimum requirements of professionalism. Deadline, MS NOW, and The Hill reported that the Justice Department maintained the president has the authority to make that determination. [1][4][9]

The White House, located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., serves as the official workplace and residence of the United States president. [10]