Federal Judge Orders White House to Immediately Restore Press Credentials for CNN Correspondent Jim Acosta

Reuters•Published: Sep 24, 2026 10:37 AM IST•Covered by 2 sources

A federal judge has ruled that the White House must temporarily restore press credentials to CNN reporter Jim Acosta. The decision marks a significant legal victory for media organizations challenging the administration's authority to revoke access based on conduct.

Judge Timothy Kelly issued the preliminary injunction, citing a lack of due process in the revocation.
The White House had pulled Acosta's pass following a heated exchange during a November press conference.
The ruling focuses specifically on the procedural rights of journalists rather than the First Amendment implications.
CNN filed the lawsuit arguing that the ban violated the network's and Acosta's constitutional rights.

The Context & Background

This legal battle began after a contentious press conference where the President and Acosta sparred over immigration policy. The administration subsequently claimed the revocation was due to Acosta's behavior toward a White House intern, a justification the court found insufficient.

Why it matters:This ruling sets a major precedent for how the executive branch interacts with the press corps. It ensures that journalists cannot be arbitrarily barred from the White House, protecting the public's right to receive information from a diverse range of news outlets.

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