CNN and MS NOW said they were denied access to cover Donald Trump’s state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping, only hours after a judge ordered the administration to restore access to both networks and Politico. The reversal intensified a dispute over press access, with broadcasters and the White House at odds during a high-profile diplomatic event.

A temporary restraining order issued by Judge Timothy Kelly followed a lawsuit filed by the three outlets after Trump banned them, accusing them of spreading “fake news”. The White House reportedly confiscated some journalists’ credentials before briefly allowing access, while Trump criticised CNN and MS NOW’s ratings and credibility; MS NOW disputed his claims, saying its viewership had risen almost 30% year on year. Other major broadcasters reportedly declined to participate in the rotating television pool until CNN journalists’ access was confirmed.