How it unfolded 3 developments, newest first · click a bar or a number to jump articles

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1. 3 Sep 25 9:00 AM

   CNN notes Chinese state media had access while U.S. outlets remained barred

   During the delay, CNN's Kaitlan Collins observed that the irony of the situation—Chinese leader Xi Jinping was at the White House that day—was compounded by the fact that Chinese communist state media was allowed on White House grounds while U.S. news outlets remained barred.

   “The Chinese communist state media is allowed onto the White House grounds … but we are not…”

2. 2 Sep 25 8:00 AM

   Journalists regain access to White House grounds after hours of delay

   CNN reporter Betsy Klein was denied entry as late as 11 a.m., having tried multiple times since 6 a.m., before finally being allowed in around noon—hours after Judge Kelly's order. The White House's compliance timeline was disputed, with The Washington Post reporting reporters did not regain entry until around 12 p.m., contradicting earlier claims.

   “She had tried at 6 a.m. She had tried a couple of other times this morning. And then at 11 a.m., she was still being denied access…”

3. backgroundSep 25

   White House claims compliance but journalists report continued denial of access — White House press operations director Micah Stopperich said badges were restored at 7:25 a.m. and the Secret Service confirmed badges were "back on" at 9:07 a.m. However, journalists from the three outlets were still denied entry Thursday morning, prompting their lawyers to request an emergency hearing for noncompliance.

4. backgroundSep 25

   Judge Kelly rules in favor of outlets, issues 14-day temporary restraining order — In the early hours of Thursday morning, Judge Kelly ruled the White House violated due process under the Fifth Amendment by revoking credentials without notice and opportunity to be heard. He ordered credentials "immediately return, reinstate, and restore" and expressed skepticism of national security justifications, noting Trump had focused on dissatisfaction with coverage when announcing the ban.

5. backgroundSep 24

   Federal judge hears arguments from outlets and Trump administration — U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly, a Trump appointee, presided over the hearing on Wednesday afternoon. The case hinged on First Amendment and due process claims by the outlets and the administration's argument that White House access is a privilege, not a constitutional right.

6. backgroundSep 24

   Vice President Vance says outlets retain reporting rights, not 'special access' — JD Vance told reporters Monday that Trump was not banning media outlets but denying them what he called "special access" to the White House. He said the outlets could still report on the administration and speak to officials outside White House grounds.

7. 1 Sep 24

   CNN, MS NOW, and Politico file lawsuit seeking temporary restraining order

   The three outlets sued in federal court, arguing the White House violated the First Amendment and due process by excluding them because of their reporting and revoking credentials without notice or opportunity to contest. They requested a temporary restraining order to restore access while the lawsuit proceeds.

   “FICTION and LIES…”

   1. 1 outlet Trump banned three news outlets. Wednesday, they ask a judge to let them back

      first by Straight Arrow, 6d ago

8. backgroundSep 20

   Trump announces ban of three news outlets from White House — President Trump announced Friday that CNN, MS NOW, and Politico were banned from White House grounds, accusing them of reporting what he called "FICTION and LIES." By Saturday, journalists from the three outlets were turned away and their credentials deactivated.