Trump administration accuses banned media outlets of 'falsehoods' ahead of court hearing
The US Justice Department is defending the White House's decision to ban three media outlets, arguing that the outlets spread 'verifiable falsehoods' and threatened national security. The media organizations have sued, claiming the ban violates their First Amendment rights.
Why it matters
This case is a significant test of press freedom and the limits of executive power regarding media access to the White House.
Image source, EPA Image caption, A judge will rule on Wednesday whether to lift Donald Trump's ban on CNN, Politico and MS NOW entering the White House
The US Justice Department has filed documents that accuse three media outlets banned from the White House of "trafficking in verifiable falsehoods" and reporting which "threatened national security" as it prepared to defend the move in court.
Last week, President Donald Trump barred CNN, Politico and MS NOW from the White House, accusing them of spreading "fake news".
After their reporters had their passes confiscated and were denied access to the building, the three outlets jointly launched legal action , calling the move unconstitutional.
On Wednesday, a judge is set to decide whether to issue an order temporarily lifting the ban, pending a full hearing.
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