First Amendment

A federal judge has ruled against the Trump administration's policy blocking certain news organisations from press access at the White House. The decision means journalists excluded from presidential events and briefings must be granted access. Supporters hail it as a win for press freedom, while critics of the ban had argued the administration was unconstitutionally punishing unfavourable coverage.

A hearing concluded in the D.C. District Court over whether President Trump's move banning three news organizations from the White House violates the Constitution. Judge Tim Kelly heard arguments from both sides but issued no ruling before ending the session. The case centers on press access to the White House and whether the exclusions amount to unconstitutional retaliation against news outlets critical of the administration.

A state appellate court has upheld Arizona's voter-approved law requiring disclosure of 'dark money' political spending, rejecting a First Amendment challenge to the measure. The law, approved by voters, requires groups that spend on elections to reveal their donors. Supporters see the ruling as a victory for transparency in campaign finance, while opponents argue it burdens political speech.

Barack Obama has issued a blunt warning about press freedom in the United States, saying he is 'not surprised by Trump' in remarks touching on threats to journalism. The comments come amid ongoing debate over the Trump administration's treatment of the media, and observers are weighing the significance of a former president publicly raising alarms about First Amendment protections.