Federal judge rules in favor of CNN, temporarily restoring Jim Acosta's White House press credentials

The Washington Post

Judge Timothy J. Kelly, whom President Trump appointed last year, agreed with the Trump White House's argument that there was no First Amendment right to come onto the White House grounds. But as The Washington Post points out, Kelly ruled "that once the White House opened up the grounds to reporters, the First Amendment applied. His ruling, however, primarily emphasized the White House’s lack of due process in revoking Acosta’s access, a key argument made by CNN in its suit. He said the White House’s decision-making was 'so shrouded in mystery that the government could not tell me . . . who made the decision.'" Kelly said that the White House's arguments were insufficient in establishing due process. "We are gratified with this result and we look forward to a full resolution in the coming days," CNN said in a statement. "Our sincere thanks to all who have supported not just CNN, but a free, strong and independent American press.” Acosta added: “I just want to thank all my colleagues in the press who supported me this week. I want to thank the judge (for this ruling). And let’s go back to work.” White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said she will "temporarily" restore Acosta's credentials. “Today, the court made clear that there is no absolute First Amendment right to access the White House,” Sanders said in the statement. “In response to the court, we will temporarily reinstate the reporter’s hard pass. We will also further develop rules and processes to ensure fair and orderly press conferences in the future. There must be decorum at the White House.” Meanwhile, President Trump said his White House team will be “writing up rules and regulations” to “set up a certain standard” for behavior on White House grounds