Nov. 16 (UPI) -- The White House must immediately reinstate the press pass of CNN correspondent Jim Acosta, a federal judge ordered Friday, after a weeklong row.
In his ruling, U.S. District Court Judge Timothy J. Kelly said the Fifth Amendment and a White House denial of Acosta's due process spurred the decision. The ruling temporarily reinstates Acosta's credentials to enter the White House.
In response to the ruling, President Donald Trump told reporters, "people have to behave," and chastised Acosta for interrupting other reporters during a news conference earlier this month that spurred the withdrawal of his press pass.
"We want total freedom of the press. It's more important to me than anybody would believe. But you have to act with respect when you're at the White house, and when I see the way some of my people get treated at news conferences, it's terrible," the president said. "So we're setting up a certain standard, which is what the court is requesting.
"We always have the option of leaving ... and the other media and press in the room won't be happy."
Acosta, who's challenged Trump on policy and asked provocative questions during news conferences, scolded the president last week for referring to a caravan of Central American migrants approaching the United States as an "invasion."
The exchange became heated and Trump called Acosta "a rude, terrible person." A White House aide then attempted to take back the microphone from Acosta's hand. Acosta's pass was withdrawn the following day.
Statement from CNN and @Acosta on today’s ruling: “We are gratified with this result and we look forward to a full resolution in the coming days. Our sincere thanks to all who have supported not just CNN, but a free, strong and independent American press.”
— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) November 16, 2018
CNN sued the White House on First Amendment grounds and filed an emergency motion for immediate reinstatement.
Justice Department attorneys argued that revoking the pass was "lawful" and the White House has "broad discretion to regulate" journalists.
"If, at some point, after restoring the hard pass the government would like to move to vacate the restraining order on the grounds that it has fulfilled its due process obligations then it may, of course, do so," Kelly wrote in Friday's ruling.
The lawsuit named Trump, Sanders, Chief of Staff John Kelly, Deputy Chief of Staff Bill Shine and Secret Service Director Randolph Alles.
CNN tweeted Friday it looked forward to a "full resolution" of the issue.
"Today, the court made clear that there is no absolute First Amendment right to access the White House. In response to the court, we will temporarily reinstate the reporter's hard pass," press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement. "We will also further develop rules and processes to ensure fair and orderly press conferences in the future. There must be decorum at the White House."