White House tells Jim Acosta his suspension may be permanent after restraining order expires

The Trump administration plans to again revoke CNN correspondent Jim Acosta's White House press credentials after a restraining order imposed Friday by a federal judge expires, CNN reported late Sunday. The White House pulled Acosta's credentials after a Nov. 7 news conference during which President Donald Trump called the reporter a "rude, terrible person" when Acosta persisted in asking Trump a question about Russia.

In response, CNN filed a lawsuit – backed by several media outlets, including USA TODAY – demanding the return of Acosta's credentials. On Friday, U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Kelly, a Trump appointee, granted the request and ordered Acosta's pass restored while the rest of the case plays out. 

Kelly said the White House had violated Acosta’s Fifth Amendment right to due process by suspending his press badge without explanation or a chance for CNN to appeal.

"Reliable Sources" host Brian Stetler said in a post Sunday that "White House officials sent Acosta a letter stating that his press pass is set to be suspended again once the restraining order expires."