DOJ: White House Media Access a Privilege, Not a Right

Why it matters locally: While the immediate legal challenge involves national news organizations, the Justice Department's stance on White House media access could set a precedent affecting how New York-based national and regional media outlets cover federal affairs.

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WASHINGTON – The Justice Department argued in a recent court filing that media organizations do not possess an inherent right to access White House grounds. The department characterized such access as a privilege, rather than a constitutional right. The filing addresses a lawsuit initiated by CNN, MSNBC, and Politico. These news outlets contend that the White House's decision to restrict their access violates their due process rights and their First Amendment protections. The Justice Department's court document states that the President determined the named news organizations “failed to maintain basic minimum 'standards of professionalism and decorum.'” This conclusion forms the basis for the administration's position regarding their access. NBC News correspondent Garrett Haake reported on these developments.