CNN, MS NOW and Politico are asking a federal court to grant them longer-term White House access, escalating their fight against restrictions imposed on the three outlets.

The outlets argue that the White House’s move to curtail their access amounts to unconstitutional retaliation for their coverage, according to court filings reported on September 29.

The American Civil Liberties Union has backed the outlets, telling the court that banning specific news organisations from White House briefings and events punishes journalism the administration dislikes.

The case is the latest in a long-running legal battle over press access to the executive branch, with previous administrations also clashing with the media over credentials and briefing-room rules.

A decision in the outlets’ favour would restore their access on a more durable basis than the temporary relief courts have granted so far. The White House has not publicly detailed its legal reasoning for the restrictions. Press-freedom advocates say the case could set an important precedent for how far a White House can go in picking which outlets get access. Similar disputes in past administrations were resolved through negotiation, but this one looks headed for a definitive court ruling.