Trump cites national security to defend media ban in court

WASHINGTON — Justice Department attorneys contend the three media outlets President Donald Trump barred from the White House fail to meet basic "journalistic standards" and pose national security threats because of their reporting of classified and sensitive information.

The arguments are detailed in the government's Sept. 22 response to a federal lawsuit that CNN, MS NOW and Politico filed against Trump seeking to regain access to the White House after Trump banned the outlets. A court hearing in the case is set for Wednesday, Sept. 23, before U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Kelly.

"Defendants may lawfully deny access to Plaintiffs because the President has concluded they fail to satisfy the minimum requirements of professionalism," the government's response reads, adding that Trump believes such standards require "calling, asking for comment, and providing a reasonable opportunity for a response."

"At a bare minimum, it is a significant violation of decorum to publish classified and sensitive national security information," it continues.

The government's attorneys ‒ representing Trump and other White House officials listed as co-defendants — asked the judge to deny the three media outlets' request for an injunction to halt Trump's ban.

The government's response highlights multiple stories from the three outlets…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/