White House ban on three media outlets blocked by judge

A federal judge has ordered US President Donald Trump to restore White House access for journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico, saying his ban on the three media outlets was likely unconstitutional.

In a major setback for Mr Trump in one of his biggest battles with the media, US District Judge Tim Kelly issued his order in a lawsuit that the news organisations filed, contesting the ban that the Republican president announced on 18 September 18.

Mr Trump had said on social media that the three outlets "shouldn't be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES," and US Justice Department lawyers had sought to justify the ban on national security grounds.

More to follow...