DOJ: Trump Has the Right to Ban Media

The Justice Department says President Trump is within his rights to kick three major news outlets out of the White House, and that the move is about national security, not censorship. In a late Tuesday court filing, the DOJ argued that access to the White House is a "privilege—not a right," reports NBC News. It accused CNN, Politico, and MSNOW of failing "to maintain basic minimum standards of professionalism and decorum expected of those given access to the White House Complex," including publishing sensitive or classified details on topics ranging from an East Wing bunker to munitions stockpiles and sanctions against Russia.

The outlets are suing, saying the bans violate their First Amendment and due process rights; a hearing on their request for a temporary restraining order is set for Wednesday before US District Judge Timothy Kelly, who was appointed by Trump in 2017 and ruled against him in a similar case the following year. The New York Times reports the filing described the White House's denial of access as a preliminary matter, and that the outlets have until 5pm Friday to contest the decision; should they choose not to do so, "this initial decision will be final."