The White House bans CNN, MS NOW and Politico, and a judge restores their access within 5 days

What happened

On September 18, 2026, Trump posted that he was banning CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House for “FAKE NEWS.” On September 19, the Secret Service took CNN’s Betsy Klein’s pass, MS NOW’s Akayla Gardner’s was disabled, and Politico’s Cheyenne Haslett was turned away. On September 20 the White House dropped CNN from the TV pool, and on September 21 ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox suspended pool coverage. The 3 outlets sued.

On September 24, Judge Timothy Kelly issued a 14-day restraining order finding a likely due process violation, and access was restored that day. CNN was left off Air Force One on September 26. A preliminary injunction hearing was set for October 8.

Who benefited

The White House kept 3 outlets’ reporters out for about 5 days, from September 19 to the court order on September 24. It also dropped CNN from the TV pool on September 20. A 14-day restraining order ended the ban; a preliminary injunction hearing was set for October 8.

Who wanted something

Trump wanted CNN, MS NOW and Politico out of the White House, and he posted it as a ban for “FAKE NEWS.” The White House acted on it the next day, with passes taken or disabled. CNN was left off Air Force One on September 26, after the order.

Who lost out

Reporters Betsy Klein of CNN, Akayla Gardner of MS NOW and Cheyenne Haslett of Politico lost their White House access. CNN also lost its place in the TV pool. ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox suspended pool coverage in response. Judge Kelly found a likely due process violation and restored access on September 24.

Why it matters

A federal judge found a likely due process violation and ordered the outlets back inside within 6 days of the ban’s announcement. The restraining order lasts 14 days, with a preliminary injunction hearing on October 8. CNN was left off Air Force One two days after the order.

Sources NPRCBS NewsAssociated Press (via Local10)Associated Press (via KOMO)