Fox News Stands With CNN in Lawsuit to Regain Acosta's Press Pass

After CNN filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration demanding that the White House restore the press credential of reporter Jim Acosta, Fox News announced on Wednesday that it backs CNN in its move.

“Fox News supports CNN in its legal effort to regain its White House reporter’s press credential,” Fox News President Jay Wallace said in a statement. “We intend to file an amicus brief with the U.S. District Court. Secret Service passes for working White House journalists should never be weaponized. While we don’t condone the growing antagonistic tone by both the president and the press at recent media avails, we do support a free press, access and open exchanges for the American people.”

The Hill reported that NBC News, The Associated Press, Bloomberg, Gannett, The New York Times, Politico, USA Today, The Washington Post and other outlets also intend to sign on to an amicus brief backing CNN's lawsuit, according to a release from Ballard Spahr LLP, a law firm representing the outlets. 

“Whether the news of the day concerns national security, the economy, or the environment, reporters covering the White House must remain free to ask questions,” the news outlets said in a joint statement. “It is imperative that independent journalists have access to the President and his activities, and that journalists are not barred for arbitrary reasons. Our news organizations support the fundamental constitutional right to question this President, or any President.”

Acosta’s press credentials were revoked last week after a testy exchange with Trump during a press conference.

• CNN Sues White House for Barring Acosta
• Judge Napolitano: CNN Has 'Very Good Case' in Press Pass Lawsuit