CNN, MS NOW, and Politico are seeking to regain their credentials as a federal court considers how far presidential authority extends over press access.
The news organizations CNN, MS NOW, and Politico sued the Donald Trump administration after their journalists lost access to the White House following an order from the president.
The three outlets notified the government on Monday that they would go to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to regain access for their journalists.
The lawsuit claims that the withdrawal of their credentials violates the First Amendment and the due process protections of the Fifth Amendment.
Trump justified the decision by accusing CNN, MS NOW, and Politico of publishing «fiction» and «lies.» He also warned that other outlets could face similar action.
Journalists from the three organizations were turned away when attempting to enter over the weekend, and their passes were deactivated or withdrawn.
The 1977 case Sherrill v Knight established important limits on how the White House handles permanent press credentials.
The court determined that access interests are protected by the First Amendment and require due process protections, including an explanation of the reasons for denying credentials.
Another precedent came with Karem v. Trump.
In 2020, a federal appeals court upheld an order halting the suspension of journalist Brian Karem's credential because he had not received adequate notice of the conduct that could result in punishment.
The more recent dispute involving the Associated Press is also part of the legal context.
A judge ruled in 2025 that certain restrictions against AP violated the First Amendment, although an appeals court later suspended that ruling while the litigation continued.
The conflict comes ahead of the November 3 elections, but there is currently no basis to determine what electoral effect this legal battle could have.
Public opinion shows differing views on the limits of press freedom, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted among U.S. adults from June 22 to 28, 2026.
At the same time, 53% said it is more important to prevent inaccurate reporting, even if that limits press freedom. Another 45% prioritized the freedom of the press to report news, even if some reporting is inaccurate.
The plaintiffs are seeking a temporary order to restore their credentials while the judicial process moves forward. The case could generate hearings and arguments from the administration this week.
The ruling could again clarify the constitutional boundaries between presidential authority to regulate physical access to the White House and the protections afforded to the press.
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SOURCE: EFE / CNBC / CBS News
