Journalism Institute supports challenge to White House over revocation of Acosta credentials

The National Press Club Journalism Institution and major news organizations have issued a joint statement condemning the White House for revoking CNN reporter Jim Acosta's White House credentials.

CNN sued President Trump and other White House aides on Tuesday, alleging that the White House action to bar Acosta violates the reporter's First and Fifth Amendment rights. The Justice Department responded Wednesday in a court filing that it can select which journalists are given a permanent pass to cover it.

Along with NPCJI, Associated Press, Bloomberg, First Look Media Works, Inc., FOX News, Gannett, NBC News, The New York Times Co, POLITICO, Press Freedom Defense Fund, E.W. Scripps Company, USA TODAY NETWORK, and The Washington Post have also joined in the statement and intent to file friend-of-the-court briefs in support of Acosta and CNN, according to the statement issued by attorney and Club member Charles Tobin, a partner at Ballard Spahr.

"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 statement said. "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."