Trump-Appointed Judge Offers Respite To CNN Reporter; Says ‘Due Process’ For Pass Revocation Must Be Followed

A federal judge, incidentally an appointee of President Donald Trump, has ruled in favour of CNN in its lawsuit against the White House, reports New York Times.

Judge Timothy J Kelly ordered that the revoked press pass of reporter Jim Acosta be returned. The White House announced last week that it has revoked the credential pass of CNN White House Correspondent Jim Acosta after a fiery verbal exchange with Trump at a press conference. CNN, in a suit filed, said Acosta’s First and Fifth Amendment rights had been violated.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said that “In response to the court, we will temporarily reinstate the reporter’s hard pass,” and added that “there must be decorum at the White House.”

The press secretary also pointed out that the judge “made it clear that there is no absolute First Amendment right to access the White House.”

Judge Kelly emphasised that the initial victory he handed CNN is “very limited” and that the White House could revoke Acosta’s pass again if it afforded him the due process to which he is entitled.