Judge Timothy J. Kelly issued a ruling blocking the White House media ban. He sits on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. President Trump appointed him to the bench in 2017.
The case concerned press access to White House briefings. Judge Kelly found the ban raised serious constitutional concerns. His order temporarily halted the policy.
Before joining the court, Kelly spent years as a lawyer in government. He served as counsel for Senator Charles E. Grassley. Grassley called him a “very talented attorney” during his 2017 confirmation.
Kelly also worked at the Department of Justice. He handled national security and terrorism cases there. That experience shaped his approach to high-stakes legal disputes.
The Senate confirmed Kelly with broad bipartisan support. He received 94 votes in favor and only two against. Such margins are rare for judicial nominees today.
Kelly has ruled on several cases involving the Trump administration. He often applies a narrow reading of executive power. Legal analysts note his measured, text-based style.
The media ban ruling adds to his record of independence. Both parties have praised his fairness on the bench. The case will likely proceed to further hearings.
