'Threat to democracy' Trump slams White House media ban lawsuit

US President Donald Trump has hit back at CNN, MS NOW and Politico after the three news organisations sued his administration over their exclusion from the White House, arguing that outlets he accuses of publishing false or defamatory reports "shouldn't be allowed access" to the Oval Office. In a post on Truth Social, Trump criticised the lawsuit and questioned the decision by US District Judge Timothy Kelly, who was appointed to the federal bench during Trump's first term. The case was assigned to Kelly after CNN, MS NOW and Politico sought court intervention to restore their White House press access.  
"As expected, Fake News CNN, Politico, and MSNOW ... have brought suit to gain access to the White House, and your President, ME!" Trump said. Referring to Judge Kelly, Trump said he was "sadly, appointed by 'TRUMP'" and suggested his administration would appeal if the court ruled against it. "In other words, almost without question and, as usual, we'll go for appeal because Fake News people and 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.
The President said the Oval Office should be treated with "Decorum, Respect, and Dignity" and accused the three organisations of distorting his record and coverage of his administration. "FAKE NEWS IS A THREAT TO DEMOCRACY, and I will do whatever is necessary to make sure that the U.S.A. thrives," Trump said. In another post, he branded the media a "cancer" and a threat to national security.
The case has been assigned to US District Judge Timothy Kelly, who was appointed by Trump during his first term. Kelly previously handled CNN reporter Jim Acosta's legal challenge after the White House revoked his press access in 2018. Kelly ordered the administration to temporarily restore Acosta's press pass. CNN, MS NOW and Politico have asked the court to act quickly and restore their access while the case proceeds. A hearing on their request was scheduled for Wednesday.The organisations said in a joint statement that their lawsuit was intended to defend their First Amendment rights and the principle that the government should not determine what the press reports.