Hearing on Trump's Press Ban Ends Without Ruling

<figure> <img alt="" src="https://platform.vox.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/gettyimages-2295330267.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> President Donald Trump answers questions from reporters in the Oval Office on September 18, 2026. | Samuel Corum/Bloomberg via Getty Images </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>This story appeared in Today, Explained, a daily newsletter that helps you understand the most compelling news and stories of the day.</em></p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">A hearing on President Donald Trump’s White House press ban ended without a ruling on September 23, 2026. The judge, Timothy Kelly, appointed by Trump, expressed skepticism regarding the administration’s arguments for banning CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House grounds. Kelly stated he would rule “as soon as possible,” but until then, the ban remains in effect.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Justice Department argued that the reporting from these outlets jeopardized national security. However, Trump indicated that he targeted these organizations due to their negative and inaccurate coverage.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The ban has faced criticism even from typically supportive outlets, such as Fox News, which boycotted White House events in protest. Ahead of the hearing, Trump indicated he would likely appeal any unfavorable decision.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Context of the Press Ban</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This situation reflects Trump's ongoing conflict with the media during his second term, where he has escalated attacks not only through insults but also by manipulating regulations. In early 2025, the White House took control of the press pool, aiming to exclude certain organizations.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Trump has also utilized regulatory agencies, such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), against critics, threatening to revoke licenses of local TV stations that air unfavorable coverage. Although no licenses have been revoked, some have been subjected to unscheduled reviews, creating an atmosphere of fear regarding government retaliation.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This strategy is not unique to Trump; similar tactics have been employed by leaders like Viktor Orbán in Hungary and Vladimir Putin in Russia, who have used regulatory power to suppress independent media. Nico Perrino, from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, noted that these actions are characteristic of regimes that the U.S. should not emulate.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Despite these comparisons, it is important to recognize that the U.S. has protections, such as an independent court system, that are not present in countries like Hungary and Russia.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Additional Information</h2> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong> Date a little differently.</strong> A recent survey indicates that the percentage of singles with a must-have trait list has risen to 34 percent, attributed to cultural changes and the influence of dating apps.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Trivia</h2> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>Did you know</strong>…there are more than 1,000 designated wildlife corridors in the U.S.?</li> <li><strong>Today’s trivia:</strong> Adam Yauch is the given name of which American rapper?</li> <li><strong>Yesterday’s trivia:</strong> The second-largest landlocked country in Africa is Niger.</li> </ul>