DOJ says Trump can ban reporters from White House over national security concerns

US President Donald Trump's administration has defended its decision to restrict CNN, MS NOW and Politico journalists from parts of the White House, arguing some of their reporting raised national security concerns.

In a court filing late on Tuesday, the Justice Department argued that “access to the White House is a privilege, not a right” as the three news organisations seek to have their access restored.

“At the very least, the Government may control reporters’ access to restricted presidential areas, such as the Oval Office, even for viewpoint-discriminatory reasons,” the Justice Department said.

“The President has found that Plaintiffs have engaged in a number of reporting incidents that have threatened national security. Such reporting directly raises national security concerns.”

The filing came ahead of an emergency hearing before federal judge Timothy Kelly in Washington, DC.

Letters sent to the outlets cited specific coverage as reasons for the restrictions. CNN was criticised over reporting about plans to rebuild a “top secret” bunker beneath President Donald Trump’s East Wing ballroom project and stories about the Iran war.

MS NOW’s Iran coverage and reporting about a leak investigation were also cited, while Politico was criticised over stories involving Iran, the ballroom project and discussions about Russia sanctions.

The outlets argue the restrictions violate First Amendment and due process protections.