In a statement released Wednesday, Fox News president Jay Wallace says the network supports CNN's lawsuit to restore one of its reporters "hard" press passes.
Wallace also said the network would file an amicus brief on behalf of CNN today.
"FOX News supports CNN in its legal effort to regain its White House reporter's press credential. We intend to file an amicus brief with the U.S. District Court. Secret Service passes for working White House journalists should not be weaponized. While we don't condone the antagonistic tone by both the President and the press at recent media avails, we do support a free press, access and open exchanges for the American people," Wallace's statement read.
The White House pulled CNN reporter Jim Acosta's hard pass last week after an incident at a press conference in which a White House staffer tried to forcefully grab a microphone while Acosta attempted to ask President Trump follow-up question. Trump had repeatedly told Acosta he was moving on to another reporter.
Though the White House maintains that it was simply revoking his "hard" pass and that Acosta could continually apply for daily passes, he has been denied daily passes multiple times since the incident.
On Tuesday, CNN filed a lawsuit against the White House, seeking the restoration of Acosta's hard pass on First and Fifth Amendment grounds. It's also seeking a preliminary injunction to allow Acosta to immediately resume covering the White House.
A hearing on the lawsuit is scheduled for 3:30 ET Wednesday.
Fox News President Jay Wallace announces network will file court brief in support of CNN suit agst Trump pic.twitter.com/Z7s1iwk3ox
— David Folkenflik (@davidfolkenflik) November 14, 2018
