Media Outlets File Lawsuit Over White House Access Revocation

Why it matters locally: While not directly targeting Oregonian media, the precedent set by this national lawsuit regarding press access to the White House could influence future interactions between government bodies and local journalists, including those covering Portland City Hall or the Clackamas County Administration Building.

Washington D.C. — CNN, MSNBC, and Politico have filed lawsuits after President Trump's administration revoked their access to the White House. President Trump stated that the outlets engaged in "one-sided coverage" of his administration as the reason for the decision. NBC News correspondent Kelly O’Donnell first reported on the development. The lawsuits challenge the administration's authority to restrict press credentials based on its assessment of news reporting. The media organizations argue that revoking access impedes their ability to cover the executive branch. Legal representatives for the three outlets filed the separate actions in federal court. They seek to reinstate their White House press credentials, which grant reporters access to briefings, events, and other official functions at the executive mansion. The White House Correspondents' Association has previously expressed concerns about the administration's actions regarding press access. This legal action escalates the ongoing dispute between certain media organizations and the Trump administration regarding press coverage and access.