CNN, MS NOW and Politico have sued the administration of United States President Donald Trump over the withdrawal of their journalists’ access to the White House.
The three media organisations announced the legal action on Monday, saying they were asking the court to restore their journalists’ access and uphold their rights under the First Amendment.
Reuters reported that the suit was filed at the US District Court for the District of Columbia.
The lawsuit followed Trump’s announcement on Friday that the three outlets would be excluded 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 implemented the decision, with reporters from CNN, MS NOW and Politico denied entry on Saturday and their press credentials confiscated.
In a joint statement issued on Monday, the organisations said they had informed the government of their intention to take legal action, arguing that the administration should not have the power to dictate 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 withdrew their journalists’ credentials without prior notice or due process because of dissatisfaction with their reporting.
“Left unchallenged, this threatens press freedom and the public’s right to independent journalism free from government interference,” they said.
The legal challenge came two days after reporters from the three outlets were stopped from entering the White House grounds as the administration enforced Trump’s directive.
According to Reuters, the reporters’ press passes were taken from them during the implementation of the ban.
The organisations are asking the court to reinstate their access while they challenge the administration’s decision.
Reuters reported that the court could begin emergency proceedings as early as this week.
