The White House must reinstate CNN reporter Jim Acosta’s press credential, federal judge Timothy J. Kelly has ruled.
“We are gratified with this result and we look forward to a full resolution in the coming days,” the network said in a statement Friday, following Kelly’s ruling in the D.C. District court. “Our sincere thanks to all who have supported not just CNN, but a free, strong and independent American press.”
On Tuesday, CNN filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration after the White House revoked Acosta’s press credentials.
“CNN filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration this morning in DC District Court. It demands the return of the White House credentials of CNN’s Chief White House correspondent, Jim Acosta,” said the network in a statement at the time. “The wrongful revocation of these credentials violates CNN and Acosta’s First Amendment rights of freedom of the press and their Fifth Amendment rights to due process.”
Following announcement of the court’s decision on Friday, Trump told reporters that the White House is “writing up rules and regulations” that must be adhered to.
“People have to behave,” he said, adding that if journalists “don’t listen to the rules and regulations, we will end up back in court and we will win.”
When asked to expand on what is meant by “rules and regulations,” the president said, “Decorum. You can’t take three questions and four questions. And just stand up and not sit down.”
Numerous media organizations — including Fox News Channel — sided with CNN and Acosta on the matter.
While Kelly did not make a ruling in CNN’s underlying case against the Trump administration Friday, he did grant the media outlet’s request for a temporary restraining order on Acosta’s behalf, according to court records obtained by TheWrap. The decision will allow Acosta access to the White House for “at least a short period of time,” according to CNN.
Also per CNN, Kelly said while explaining his ruling he believes Acosta and his employer are “likely to prevail in the case overall.”
Last week, Acosta lost his press credentials after an unusually nasty fight with Trump during an East Wing press conference. As an aide tried to take control of the microphone from Acosta, Trump scolded the reporter on live television.
“CNN should be ashamed of itself having you working for them. You are a rude, terrible person. You shouldn’t be working for CNN,” Trump said. “The way you treat Sarah Huckabee is horrible. The way you treat other people are horrible. You shouldn’t treat people that way.”