A federal judge in the United States has ruled that the Trump administration must restore White House access for journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico while a legal challenge against their exclusion continues.

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District Judge Timothy Kelly issued the ruling on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, blocking the White House from enforcing its ban on the three news organisations during the ongoing lawsuit.

The dispute began on September 18, when U.S. President Donald Trump barred journalists from the outlets from accessing the White House. Trump had accused the organisations of spreading what he described as “fake news,” “fiction and lies.”

The decision prompted a legal challenge from CNN, MS NOW and Politico, which contested the administration’s move to restrict their journalists’ access to the presidential workplace.

In his ruling, Judge Kelly directed the administration to allow the journalists to return to the White House while the court considers the case. The decision represents a setback for the administration’s effort to exclude the three media organisations.

The ruling also places renewed attention on the relationship between the White House and the press, particularly over journalists’ access to government officials and the ability of news organisations to report on presidential activities.

The case is being closely watched because of its implications for press freedom, media access and the limits of executive authority in dealing with critical news outlets.

However, the judge’s order concerns access during the legal proceedings and does not necessarily settle the broader dispute over the administration’s decision.

The lawsuit will continue as the court examines the arguments presented by the media organisations and the government. Further proceedings are expected to determine the longer-term outcome of the White House access dispute.

The decision marks an important development in the ongoing debate over press freedom and government accountability in the United States.