Donald Trump’s administration has argued in legal documents that it has a constitutional right to ban CNN reporter Jim Acosta from the White House.
Nick Allen
November 15 2018 2:30 AM
Donald Trump’s administration has argued in legal documents that it has a constitutional right to ban CNN reporter Jim Acosta from the White House.
Lawyers for the US Justice Department contended the administration has « broad discretion » to regulate press access to the complex.
It was a response to CNN’s legal request for a temporary restraining order restoring Mr Acosta’s access.
A judge was due to hold a hearing yesterday on CNN’s complaint.
Responding in court documents, the justice department said: « The President and White House possess the same broad discretion to regulate access to the White House for journalists (and other members of the public) that they possess to select which journalists receive interviews, or which journalists they acknowledge at press conferences. »
Mr Acosta was banished following a particularly contentious press conference with the president last week.
He has repeatedly clashed with Mr Trump and press secretary Sarah Sanders in briefings.
The administration lawyers argued it was « lawful » to punish Mr Acosta.
His press credentials were taken away by the Secret Service and CNN alleged that his constitutional rights had been violated.
Fox News yesterday backed CNN, its bitter cable news rival, in the ongoing dispute.
Jay Wallace, president of Fox News, said: « Fox News supports CNN in its legal effort to regain its White House reporter’s press credential.
« We intend to file an amicus brief with the US District Court. Secret Service passes for working White House journalists should never be weaponised.
« While we don’t condone the growing antagonistic tone by both the president and the press at recent media avails, we do support a free press, access and open exchanges for the American people. »
The White House has dismissed the complaint as « grandstanding » and vowed to « vigorously defend » its actions.
Mr Trump, Ms Sanders and White House chief of staff John Kelly are named among the defendants.
CNN is also seeking « a declaration that the revocation of Acosta’s press credentials was unconstitutional ».
Irish Independent
Olivia Rudgard Facebook and Instagram are using AI to spot drug dealers using their sites.
Eli Rosenberg The CIA explored finding a « truth serum » to use on terrorism detainees in the years after the 9/11 attacks in 2001, according to a declassified report that was released as part of a lengthy Freedom of Information lawsuit.
Nick Allen Survivors told how they fled California’s apocalyptic wildfires as the soles of their shoes melted, celebrities returned to find their multi-million-dollar homes in ashes, and the state’s governor warned…
Michael Avenatti, a chief critic of US President…
Two raccoons have been causing alarm in a town in…
A large, drop-shaped natural pearl pendant has sold for a hammer price of 32 million…
If you had an incredibly powerful slow motion…
French President Emmanuel Macron has said France…
After the departure of Slavisa Jokanovic,…
An NFL star had an unnerving experience when…
France’s government has fired back at a flurry of…
Brexit jitters were hanging over the markets on…
Florida school shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz…
Police contain anti-Brexit protesters…
Prime Minister Theresa May departs 10 Downing…
Theresa May’s Brexit breakthrough has got…
Shadow Secretary for Business Rebecca Long-Bailey says the Labour Party…
A fish and chip shop in Blackburn serves…
Days after attending an Armistice ceremony in…
A Brexit deal has been reached by negotiators…
American broadcaster CNN is suing the Trump administration, demanding…
A man is shoved into the road in London,…
Theresa May has said Brexit negotiations…
