WASHINGTON D.C.—U.S. District Attorney, Timothy J. Kelly, an appointee of President Donald Trump, ruled in favor of CNN White House Reporter, Jim Acosta on Friday, November 16 to have his hard pass temporarily reinstated.
“I will grant the application for the temporary restraining order. I order the government reinstate the Jim Acosta’s Press Pass,” said Kelly.
Kelly indicated that Acosta’s credentials should be returned immediately and reactivated to allow him access to the White House complex for press briefings and other events.
Temporary injunction orders last 14 days. Judge Kelly did not rule on whether Acosta’s constitutional rights have been violated, or caused him irreparable harm. He left open the possibility, for the White House to revoke the pass again after Acosta has received due process. Kelly did not make a ruling on Acosta’s and CNN’s claims regarding the reporter’s First and Fifth Amendment Rights.
CNN made issued the following statement:
“We are gratified with the results and look forward to a full resolution in the coming days. Our sincere thanks to all who have supported not just CNN, but a free, strong, and independent American press.”
“I want to thank all of my colleagues in the press who supported us this week and I want to thank the Judge for the decision he made today. Let’s go back to work,” said Acosta in a statement outside of the U.S. District Court.
The White House revoked Acosta’s hard pass last week after he interrupted President Trump several times and refused to hand over the microphone to a White House aide after he was asked by President Trump. Live video shows the banter between Acosta and President Trump.
The White House noted it would comply with the court’s ruling, but planned to develop rules for a more orderly press conference.
President Trump told Fox News’ Chris Wallace that he will kick CNN White House reporter, Jim Acosta out of press conferences if he “misbehaves” moving forward.
