White House Unbans News Outlets After Judge Says “Please Put the Journalists Back"

WASHINGTON — The White House has apparently discovered a new way to make journalists exercise: ban them, send them to court, then make them walk back through the gate.

CNN, MS NOW and Politico were blocked from the White House after the Trump administration revoked their access.

Then a federal judge stepped into the story and ordered the White House to restore their access.

Suddenly, the White House gates had a change of heart.

“Welcome back, everyone!”

Nothing happened.

Absolutely nothing.

Please don't ask questions.

The Press Pass That Went to Court

The journalists apparently arrived expecting to do journalism.

Instead, they encountered something more complicated:

Government bureaucracy: The Live-Action Movie.

The outlets challenged the ban in court, and U.S. District Judge Tim Kelly ruled that the ban was likely unconstitutional, ordering their access restored for 14 days.

For a few hours, however, the journalists reportedly remained blocked despite the ruling, prompting the news organizations to request an emergency hearing.

At this point, even Washington lawyers probably needed coffee.

Lots of coffee.

Reporter: “Can I Come In?”

White House: “No.”

Judge: “Let them in.”

White House: “Okay.”

Reporter: “So can I come in now?”

White House: “Apparently.”

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how a press conference becomes a courtroom drama.

America's Most Complicated Door

The White House is supposed to be one of the world's most important buildings.

But this week, one of its most important features became the front door.

Who can enter?

Who can't?

Who has a pass?

Who has lost the pass?

Who has a judge?

Washington has somehow transformed opening a door into constitutional law.

Meanwhile, the Newsroom

Somewhere inside CNN, MS NOW and Politico offices, editors probably received the following message:

“Good news. We're allowed back in.”

Five minutes later:

“Wait. We're covering this story.”

Ten minutes later:

“We're covering the story about being allowed back into the place where we're supposed to cover the stories.”

Welcome to Washington.

The 14-Day Trial

The judge's order lasts 14 days while the legal dispute continues.

That gives everyone approximately two weeks to enjoy the beautiful tradition of American democracy:

lawyers arguing about whether journalists can enter a building.

At this rate, the next White House press briefing may require:

• A press pass

• A lawyer

• A judge

• Two witnesses

• Three forms of identification

• And possibly a permission slip from your mother

Final Thought

The episode has produced one undeniable lesson:

In Washington, even a press badge can become breaking news.

The journalists are back inside for now.

The lawyers are still working.

The judge is still watching.

And somewhere, a White House security officer is probably staring at the entrance thinking:

“I just wanted to check people's passes.”

America, ladies and gentlemen. Never a dull day.