WASHINGTON, September 26: Television networks have resumed live coverage of White House events after a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore access to three news organisations it had barred. The cameras returned as Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the White House, bringing a legal dispute over press freedom into view during a major diplomatic event.
CNN, MS NOW and Politico challenged the restrictions in court, arguing that the administration had violated their constitutional rights. A judge found the ban likely unconstitutional and ordered their access restored while the case continues. The ruling is temporary; the wider legal challenge has yet to be decided.
The dispute had affected coverage beyond the three outlets. Other television networks declined to set up cameras in solidarity, leaving the White House press pool without its usual video coverage during the first two days of Xi’s visit. Pool footage resumed on Friday, showing Xi’s arrival and events involving the two leaders.
Questions remain about how consistently access will be restored. CNN said it was barred from travelling with President Donald Trump on Air Force One for a weekend trip, while the White House did not immediately comment on that account.
