An attorney representing CNN, MSNOW and Politico has asked a federal judge to block the White House from banning the three outlets, arguing that such a move would violate the First Amendment.
The request, filed in a federal court, seeks to prevent the executive branch from imposing a ban on the outlets while the related legal case is still pending. The lawyer contended that restricting the outlets’ ability to cover the White House would infringe on the constitutional right to free speech and a free press.
Under the First Amendment, the press is protected from government censorship, and courts have historically intervened when executive actions threaten that protection. The attorney’s motion therefore calls for a temporary halt to any ban until the court can fully consider the constitutional implications.
While the White House has reportedly issued a ban on the outlets, the legal challenge is aimed at ensuring that any such restriction is subject to judicial review rather than being imposed unilaterally.
The case is expected to be heard in the coming weeks, with the outcome likely to clarify the limits of executive power over media coverage of the presidency.
<small>Source: CNBC — read the original story there.</small>