Judge Grants CNN’s Motion to Restore Jim Acosta’s White House Press Pass

The Wall Street Journal ^ | 16 Nov 18 | Byron Tau

[BlackFemaleArmyColonel]

The cable network made an emergency request so its correspondent could have access to the White House as lawsuit continues.

WASHINGTON—A federal judge granted an emergency motion to restore the White House press credential of CNN correspondent Jim Acosta—a victory for the network in a closely watched press-freedom case.

The lawsuit could determine whether the government can ban individual reporters from public buildings.

District Judge Timothy Kelly, who was appointed to the bench by President Trump, granted CNN’s request for a restraining order temporarily restoring Mr. Acosta’s press access to the White House while the case proceeds.

Lawyers for Mr. Acosta, the network’s chief White House correspondent, argued that the unusual revocation of a reporter’s press pass by the White House last week necessitated emergency action.

Mr. Trump has regularly attacked CNN, and Thursday’s ruling was a setback for the White House. Government lawyers acknowledged in court they knew of no other situation where the White House had revoked a press pass under similar circumstances.

The legal maneuvering was part of a CNN lawsuit alleging that the Trump administration violated Mr. Acosta’s First Amendment right to gather news, as well as his due-process right to challenge a government-imposed punishment. Judge Kelly didn’t rule on the merits of CNN’s overall case.

[weston]

Sarah Sanders should call on Acosta first in the next Presser. Let him be obnoxious as hell. Mix it up with him. Arguing back and forth. Then when they’re over, say sorry that took so long. Times up, presser is over. And walk out.
Do the same thing for three or four pressers and the rest of the reporters will wring Jim Acosta’s neck for us.

[Buckeye McFrog]

Freedom of reporters to get to news sources is important. Today’s ruling is an abstract recognition of that.

Then Alex Jones and my brother the blogger should have equal access. Otherwise this ruling just creates a privileged tier of elite, official media.

Further, CNN was never banned. They were free to send any other reporter who could behave himself.

[butlerweave]

Terrorists and Assassins will be lining up for a White House Press Pass ,not a LOL

[EQAndyBuzz]

“All press briefings should be cancelled until after the court case is heard by the Supreme Court.”

I agree.

[Agatsu77]

Another dumba$$ lib judge.

[FreeReign]

Jeezus, looks like everyone has boarded the stupid train. Once again, this isn't about issuing new press passes, but revoking one that had already been granted. That's the starting point - you cannot unilaterally seize and/or deny an "asset" without due process aka 5A.

The president can allow, deny or revoke a press pass for what ever reason, no due process is required. There is no inalienable right to the above.

Your understanding of the Constitution is "stupid". Are you sure you're on the right forum?

[etcb]

The legal maneuvering was part of a CNN lawsuit alleging that the Trump administration violated Mr. Acosta’s First Amendment right to gather news ....

When was the 1st Amendment changed to grant a right to "gather" news. The right to publish is held by every citizen, but the right to "gather" is certainly not.

[Maverick68]

Ignore the ruling.

[windsorknot]

Jim Acosta and April Ryan just stand up and start yelling their questions no matter who is called on

That should be the end of that day’s press conference. No further questions, please. Have a nice day.

[Skywise]

Nice write up - I wonder what that precedent case was.
Still don’t think it applies in this case though.

[zanarchist]

That’s a good idea.

[Ouderkirk]

Nobody is reading....

The Judge said the Acoster was not given due process.

So, do a thorough review per his 5th amendment rights, and then bounce him.

[Buckeye McFrog]

I think it is time to hire a team and seriously ramp up news dissemination through non-traditional outlets like Twitter.

Which is EXACTLY why social media companies began implementing a ChiCom style censorship regime last year.

[DungeonMaster]

Since when does a non supreme court judge outrank the president regarding the president’s own press conferences?

[semantic]

Losers are gonna lose.

Press passes were given to certain association members and media companies long ago. As such, they became vital assets to these organizations. Once granted/created, "assets" cannot be unilaterally seized or denied.

The issue is precedent - Trump continued to provide press access under long established principles. However, what he failed to do was impose rules of conduct and standards of behavior. It is entirely with the purview of the WH to create, inform and enforce these provisions.

The next shoe to drop isn't an appeal to the ruling, but a roll out of new WH press conference rules & regs. Secondly, there is nothing stopping Trump from granting thousands/millions of conditional permits to 'citizen reporters'. If all "reporters" have a random chance of being allowed to ask a question, or if any violate the rules and conditions of the pass, then they can get the heave ho.

I find it somewhat amusing - or perhaps a bit troubling - that FR has seemingly descended into idiocy.

[Jeff Chandler]

Trump obviously has the will power to ignore any question.

Obviously. </sarc>

[FreeReign]

As I thought, the judge has created a mandatory “due process” for withdrawing a press credential into the White House. It’s obtuse. But you know, this will actually be a win.

It's never a win when a judge issues a wrong ruling. It's just more shredding of the Constitution.

[ought-six]

I called this Wednesday night, after the hearing where the administration’s attorney did NOT base the revocation — in whole or in part — on Acosta’s bad behavior. Instead, the administration’s attorney argued strictly on first amendment grounds, which I thought was a huge mistake.

[Lopeover]

Good argument. Precedent established? I wonder?

[Buckeye McFrog]

As I posted earlier, I have been to the White House, and if I had caused any problem I am certain I would have been swiftly removed without any “due process”.