Judge orders White House to hand back CNN correspondent’s press pass after tiff with Trump

CNN correspondent Jim Acosta has won the battle to have his White House ban lifted – temporarily at least.

After lawyers from CNN and the Trump administration battled it out for over two hours in court today, Judge Timothy Kelly granted the network's requests for Acosta to be allowed back into the White House. 

CNN had requested a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction on Wednesday, but it took until Friday for a decision to be made when court was reconvened. 

“We are gratified with this result and we look forward to a full resolution in the coming days," read a statement from CNN and Acosta. 

"Our sincere thanks to all who have supported not just CNN, but a free, strong and independent American press.”

The White House had taken the unprecedented step of revoking Acosta's access after he and President Donald Trump were involved in a heated exchange during a press conference following the midterm election results.

CNN this week filed a lawsuit alleging violations of both first and fifth amendment rights.

While Acosta's press pass has been temporarily reinstated, further hearings will take place in the coming weeks before a more permanent resolution is found.