CNN, MS NOW and Politico have taken legal action against the administration of United States President Donald Trump over the revocation of their White House press access.
The three media organisations announced the lawsuit on Monday, saying they were seeking the restoration of their journalists’ access to the White House and protection of their rights under the First Amendment.
Reuters reported that the case was filed in the US District Court for the District of Columbia.
The legal action followed Trump’s announcement on Friday that the three outlets would be barred from the White House after he accused them of publishing what he described as “FICTION and LIES” about him, his administration and the United States.
The White House subsequently enforced the ban. Reporters from CNN, MS NOW and Politico were turned away from the White House on Saturday, while their press credentials were confiscated.
In a joint statement issued on Monday, the three organisations said they had notified the government of their decision to sue, arguing that the administration should not determine what journalists report or publish.
“This morning, we notified the government that we are filing a lawsuit today to protect our First Amendment rights and defend the principle that the government does not decide what the press reports or publishes,” they said.
The organisations also said the White House revoked their journalists’ credentials without notice or due process because of objections to their reporting.
“Left unchallenged, this threatens press freedom and the public’s right to independent journalism free from government interference,” they said.
The lawsuit came two days after reporters from the three outlets were prevented from entering the White House grounds. Reuters reported that the journalists’ press passes were taken from them as the administration implemented Trump’s ban.
The media organisations are asking the court to restore their access as they challenge the administration’s decision. Reuters reported that emergency proceedings could take place as early as this week.
