By The Epoch Times | Created at 2026-09-22 03:40:19 | Updated at 2026-09-22 04:17:11
52 minutes ago
On the same day a lawsuit was filed against him over his banning of some media outlets from the White House, President Donald Trump signaled on Monday that he is anticipating a loss.
The president said in a Truth Social post that “almost without question and, as usual, we’ll go for appeal.”
That’s because of a previous ruling against him by federal District Judge Timothy Kelly in Washington, who the president noted was appointed by himself.
“As expected, Fake News CNN, Politico (Pay back the 8 Million Dollar contribution made by the U.S. Government to keep them afloat!), and MS NOW (formerly known as MSDNC!), have brought suit to gain access to the White House, and your President, ME!” Trump wrote.
The president said the outlets have “drawn a great Judge” for themselves.
Kelly, in a 2018 ruling, sided with then-CNN reporter Jim Acosta.
Acosta had violated the general protocol for reporters of asking one question and a follow-up during a White House press conference. The CNN correspondent refused to give up the microphone and accused Trump of demonizing immigrants.
The White House then revoked his press credentials. Acosta sued, claiming violations of his First and Fifth amendment rights.
Kelly oversaw the case and ruled for the correspondent only on his due process claims and did not issue a ruling on the allegation that the revocation of his press credentials violated the right to free speech.
The White House ultimately reinstated Acosta’s credentials and released a set of rules on journalistic conduct during press conferences.
Trump stood by his Sept. 18 ban on CNN, Politico, and MS NOW from the White House, accusing them of constantly reporting fake news. The day after Trump’s announcement of the ban, multiple journalists from the outlets were denied access to the White House and had their badges revoked.
“Publications that only write negatively, and who violate our National Security by writing false and defamatory stories with unknown ‘sources,’ shouldn’t be allowed access to the most important Office anywhere in the World,” Trump said. “It is called the Oval Office, and it should be treated with Decorum, Respect, and Dignity, not defiled by Third Rate Clowns, who purposefully distort, twist, and degrade with everything they write or publish.”
The president also noted his 2024 election victory—in all seven swing states, the popular vote, and the Electoral College—despite what the president called “94 percent bad publicity.”
“With such a Crooked and Corrupt Press, how did I win in such a LANDSLIDE?” Trump wrote. “It is because the Media has NO credibility, and that is a very bad thing for our Nation! Why should I have to give ‘access’ to such people?”
The president indicated that Kelly will have to answer that question.
The first hearing in the case is scheduled for Sept. 23, when Kelly will consider the networks’ request for a temporary restraining order against the ban.
Meanwhile, multiple media outlets have come out in support of CNN, Politico, and MS NOW and their lawsuit, announced earlier Monday, accusing Trump of violating the First Amendment.
The New York Times said it will neither publish nor distribute any images from the White House still photography pool on Monday. The newspaper said that it would still cover Trump at the United Nations in New York City, but that “Americans deserve a free and independent media covering their government without intimidation.”
The Washington Post, likewise, said it would not publish—until midnight ET—any images of Monday’s presidential events, “joining a collective effort with photographers in other newsrooms.”
The Huffington Post also said it would not distribute photos captured Monday from the White House still photography pool.
“HuffPost remains committed to a free and independent press and will continue to cover the president and his activities,” the outlet said.
White House television pool members, including ABC News, CBS News, CNN, Fox News Media, and NBC News, jointly declined coverage of Trump on Monday.
The group released a statement saying: “No administration should restrict a news organization because it objects to its reporting.”
Trump concluded his Monday Truth Social post by writing in all capital letters, “Fake news is a threat to Democracy.”
“I have an obligation to fight for the Success and Safety of our Country,” he said. “I will do whatever is necessary to make sure that the U.S.A. thrives.”
Meanwhile, the White House YouTube channel on Monday launched “Trump TV: The Essentials Station,” showcasing around-the-clock videos, moments, and major remarks from the administration. One of the first videos to play was the president’s 2025 swearing-in ceremony.
The channel also released a one-minute video “Trump TV is Here,” a promotional montage of clips from various shows and movies, such as “Breaking Bad,” “The Office,” “Seinfeld,” “Family Guy,” “Batman,” “Spongebob Squarepants,” “Family Guy,” and more, with “TRUMPTV” flashing over the video throughout.
