The White House filed court papers on Friday defending its authority to restrict media access, asking a federal judge to deny extended credentials to several news outlets.
Government attorneys urged the judge to reject a motion from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico seeking a long-term order to maintain press credentials while litigation proceeds over President Trump's September 18 order.
A current two-week court order restoring full press credentials to the affected news organizations is set to expire on Thursday.
Justice Department Argues No First Amendment Violation
Federal lawyers argued in court documents that denying special access does not violate First Amendment guarantees or constitute unlawful retaliation.
The filing stated that administrations "have long decided which journalists should receive privileged access, which has varied substantially from administration to administration."
Government attorneys said the presidential decision on credentials aligned with historical precedent regarding White House access restrictions.
The filing also argued that "the mere denial of special access is not an adverse action that would objectively chill" press freedom.
The White House further asserted that adequate due process was extended through issued letters.
It argued that the outlets failed to meet professional standards and compromised security, claims the news organizations dispute.
