Federal Judge Rules for CNN Reporter Jim Acosta's Return to White House

A federal judge in Washington ruled on Friday to temporarily restore CNN reporter Jim Acosta's press credentials at the White House, stating that banning or limiting a journalist's activity in the White House must be based on relevant regulations and laws. Acosta's press credentials were revoked last week after a confrontation with Donald Trump during a press conference. According to Reuters, following the court ruling, Acosta thanked media supporters and told reporters, 'Let's get back to work.' CNN issued a statement saying it would await the court's final decision in the coming days and expressed gratitude to all who support not only CNN but also free, strong, and independent media in the U.S. CNN sued the Trump administration, seeking to reinstate Acosta's credentials. Timothy Kelly, the federal judge appointed by the U.S. President, did not reference the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and the press, but instead emphasized constitutional provisions related to fair treatment in administrative and judicial decision-making. In his oral ruling, he stated, 'The government's decision-making process in this matter is so vague and mysterious that they have not been able to tell me exactly which individual or authority revoked Mr. Acosta's credentials.' The White House revoked Acosta's credentials for covering White House press conferences last week. Government lawyers in court argued that the reason for revoking the senior CNN reporter's credentials was not his criticisms of the president but his alleged rude behavior during the press conference. The judge noted that Sarah Sanders, the White House press secretary, initially claimed that the reason for revoking Acosta's credentials was that he touched the arm of a White House intern while taking the microphone from her, which 'either is not true or is based on evidence that raises significant doubts about its accuracy.' In her first comments following last week's tense press conference, Sanders accused Acosta of 'placing his hands on the body of a staff member who was trying to take the microphone from him' and preventing other reporters from asking questions. She described Acosta's behavior as 'unacceptable' and added that 'his credentials are revoked until further notice.'