CNN, MS NOW and Politico are suing the Trump administration after journalists are barred from White House, arguing that the move violates their First Amendment rights.
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The three news organisations notified the administration on Monday that they were taking legal action and asked a federal court in Washington to restore their access. The case could lead to hearings and arguments over the White House's decision as early as this week.
The lawsuit follows President Donald Trump's announcement on Friday that the three outlets would be barred from the White House over coverage he described as negative. Trump also indicated that other news organisations could face similar restrictions.
Reporters denied White House entry
The restrictions were enforced on Saturday when reporters from the three organisations arrived to cover the administration.
CNN's Betsy Klein, MS NOW's Akayla Gardner and Politico's Cheyenne Haslett were denied entry to the White House grounds and had their press credentials confiscated, according to reports.
CNN and MS NOW have also been prevented from using their television equipment and designated camera locations at the White House. CNN was subsequently removed from its scheduled television pool duties, including coverage involving the president's travel.
The three organisations said the administration revoked their journalists' credentials without notice or a process for challenging the decision.
"This morning, we notified the government that we are filing a lawsuit today to protect our First Amendment rights and defend the principle that the government does not decide what the press reports or publishes," the outlets said in a joint statement.
They added that the action threatened press freedom and the public's access to independent journalism.
