NPR is reporting that a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to temporarily restore access to CNN, MS NOW and Politico after President Trump banned the networks from covering White House events last week. It said U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly issued a 14-day temporary restraining order after the three outlets had their press credentials revoked.
The networks filed a joint lawsuit against Trump, alleging their constitutional rights were violated, and sought a restraining order to continue reporting from the White House as the case proceeds. NPR's David Folkenflik said the court was skeptical of the administration's assertion that it revoked the networks' White House access over national security concerns. Judge Kelly said the defendants had not offered evidence to explain how any of the reporting they identified in their letters to the plaintiffs damaged national security.
NPR said Theodore J. Boutrous, a lawyer representing the news outlets, issued a statement saying the ruling vindicates freedom of the press, due process and the rule of law, and expressing appreciation for the court's swift action.
NPR is also reporting that Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Trump have important talks ahead as they meet at the White House. It said the meeting is Xi's first U.S. state visit in 11 years and comes at a pivotal time for both men, with U.S. midterm elections just over a month away and Xi preparing for a Party Congress upon his return.
NPR's Emily Feng said the state dinner is all about symbolism. It said Trump greeted Xi on the tarmac, where a welcoming delegation rolled out a long red carpet, a band played both nations' anthems and a military flyby took place during the Star Spangled Banner. NPR said this is the first time a U.S. president has welcomed a Chinese head of state on the tarmac, highlighting the personal significance Trump places on the visit. Feng said it sends a strong message to China that it is an equal partner to the U.S., and that experts believe Xi's priority is stability with the U.S.
NPR is further reporting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned the United Nations General Assembly that Russia's war against Ukraine poses a global threat, describing it as a "crazy war" led by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also addressed the world body and criticized the U.S., saying that the U.S. describes Iran as terrorists but that Iranians are actually victims of terrorism. NPR said he showed photos of children he said were victims of a U.S. bombing of an Iranian school and a portrait of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
NPR's Michele Kelemen said Zelenskyy has proposed an energy ceasefire because Trump has been unhappy with Ukraine's strikes on Russian oil and gas infrastructure. It said Ukraine wants Russia to stop attacks on its energy grids before winter and allow grain exports to resume. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said both sides have expressed interest in a limited ceasefire involving grain and energy. NPR said there is concern the conflict is intensifying as Russia violates NATO airspace, and that mediators have held talks on the sidelines between Iran and the Trump administration.