Earlier today, a judge ruled in favor of CNN’s Jim Acosta in a lawsuit between the network and the President of the United States after Donald Trump ordered for Acosta to be stripped of his press credential and banned from events.
It’s a big win for journalists throughout the country, who have been attacked and threatened by the Trump administration for just doing their jobs. However, the White House’s response to the court ruling only further proves that more trouble is ahead, and the Trump administration truly has no respect for the law.
The White House responded to the ruling, with Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders issuing a very disappointing response that the Trump administration will restore Acosta’s credentials — but only “TEMPORARILY.” The Press Secretary also indicated that the White House would pursue its crusade against the free press and “further develop rules and processes” to ensure “orderly” news conferences. She said:
Today, the court made clear that there is no absolute First Amendment right to access the White House. In response to the court, we will temporarily reinstate the reporter’s hard pass. We will also further develop rules and processes to ensure fair and orderly press conferences in the future. There must be decorum at the White House.”
Acosta’s press credential was taken away on November 7th after Trump got into a heated exchange with the reporter at a press conference. Thanks to a ruling by Judge Timothy J. Kelly today, the White House is required to return the credential. Unfortunately, this statement by Huckabee Sanders shows that the White House has full intention of resisting this ruling and giving the press a harder time than ever. This behavior is so typical and expected from the Trump administration, but it doesn’t make it any less disgusting.
Featured image via screen capture
