Federal judge briefly extends media access to White House

(NBC, KYMA) - A federal judge has briefly extended media access to the White House as a longer-term solution to President Donald Trump's ban is considered.

CNN, MS NOW, and Politico's access to the White House will continue for now.

U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly signaled skepticism about the administration's arguments for the ban Thursday.

Attorney Ted Boutrous, representing the news organizations, argued the White House has offered no new evidence to support their claim that their reporting endangered national security.

He told the judge that this reporting is necessary to "hold the government accountable," and the news outlets take national security concerns into consideration before a story publishes.

DOJ senior counsel Michael Velchik, representing the Trump Administration, said the president "doesn't mind negative press stories if he deserves them," continuing with the argument that CNN has previously reported "fake news."