CNN, MS NOW and Politico have sued the administration of US President Donald Trump over the revocation of their White House press access.
The three media organisations announced the legal action on Monday, saying they were asking a federal court to restore their journalists’ access to the White House and protect their First Amendment rights.
According to Reuters, the lawsuit was filed at the US District Court for the District of Columbia.
The case 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, with reporters from CNN, MS NOW and Politico turned away from the premises on Saturday. Their press credentials were also confiscated.
In a joint statement on Monday, the three organisations said they had notified the US government of their decision to take legal action, 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 media organisations further alleged that 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 was filed two days after reporters from the three organisations 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 directive.
CNN, MS NOW and Politico are asking the court to restore their White House access while their challenge to the administration’s decision proceeds.
Reuters reported that emergency proceedings in the case could begin as early as this week.
