White House fires back at CNN lawsuit, claiming 'broad discretion' to yank reporter Jim Acosta's press pass

Source: 
Coverage Type: 

President Donald Trump and officials in his administration said that the decision to revoke CNN White House correspondent Jim Acosta's press credential was "lawful," arguing the White House holds "broad discretion to regulate" access for journalists. "The White House responded to conduct that was particularly disruptive to a press conference with a decision denying one specific reporter further opportunities to cause disruptions," Justice Department lawyers wrote in a court filing. As part of the legal response to CNN, the DOJ lawyers argued that "Acosta's decision to engage in conduct that disrupts press events and impedes other reporters from asking questions provides a more-than-sufficient reason for revoking his hard pass." They also denied, as CNN had argued, that Acosta's pass had been revoked "because the President and his administration do not like CNN or Acosta's reporting."


White House fires back at CNN lawsuit, claiming 'broad discretion' to yank reporter Jim Acosta's press pass