A federal judge, responding to CNN's request to act quickly, ordered the White House to reinstate reporter Jim Acosta's press pass.
The credential was suspended last week by the White House after Acosta belligerently challenged the president during a news conference and refused to relinquish a microphone.
CNBC reported Acosta thanks Judge Tim Kelly after the ruling.
"I want to thank the judge for the decision he made today," Acosta said.
While most of the legacy media outlets supported CNN's demand that Acosta's pass be restored, One America News Network sided with the White House.
Trump was "right on point" to call Acosta "rude" during the exchange, the network said.
"While this narcissistic approach may serve plaintiff's self-interests as entertainers or media figures and the network that profits therefrom, they do not serve the interests of the forum," OANN said.
CNN said it was "gratified with this result, and we look forward to a full resolution in the coming days."
The judge's ruling was a temporary order restoring the press credential. The issue of Acosta's behavior and the White House response still has yet to be fully litigated.
The White House also could appeal Kelly's order.
Press Secretary Sarah Sanders shortly later confirmed the White House will "temporarily reinstate" the press pass, but she promised new rules to ensure "orderly" news conferences.
"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. We will also further develop rules and processes to ensure fair and orderly press conferences in the future," Sanders said in a statement Friday. "There must be decorum at the White House."
CNN claimed that it and Acosta have a First Amendment right to the press pass.
The judge said, said however, his ruling was a matter of due process.
He ordered both sides to file a report next week on how to proceed in the case.
The confrontation:
WND reported when radio talk-show host Rush Limbaugh unloaded on Acosta.
"I think this guy is just a petty, childish baby," Limbaugh said of the CNN reporter. "He's just a first class, A-number-one creep. He is totally and completely unlikable."
"Jim Acosta has no constitutional right to be admitted to the White House, period," Limbaugh added. "The White House is not prohibiting CNN from being in there."
WND reported when the White House suspended Acosta's media credentials.
"President Trump believes in a free press and expects and welcomes tough questions of him and his administration," Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said at the time. "We will, however, never tolerate a reporter placing his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern."
Sanders said Acosta's "conduct is absolutely unacceptable."
"It is also completely disrespectful to the reporter's colleagues not to allow them an opportunity to ask a question."
She contended Trump "has given the press more access than any president in history."
"Contrary to CNN's assertions, there is no greater demonstration of the president's support for a free press than the event he held today," Sanders said. "Only they would attack the president for not supporting a free press in the midst of him taking 68 questions from 35 different reporters over the course of 1.5 hours including several from the reporter in question. The fact that CNN is proud of the way their employee behaved is not only disgusting, it's an example of their outrageous disregard for everyone, including young women, who work in this administration. As a result of today's incident, the White House is suspending the hard pass of the reporter involved until further notice."
As WND reported, at the news conference Acosta began by challenging Trump's description of the Central American caravan as an "invasion."
"It's not an invasion," Acosta insisted.
"Thank you for telling me that," Trump said. "I consider it an invasion. You and I have a difference of opinion."
Acosta then asked, "Did you demonize immigrants?"
Trump explained he wants immigrants to come to America, because its expanding economy needs the workers, but they need to come legally.
Frustrated by Acosta's criticism of a campaign ad, Trump finally said: "You should let me run the country and you should run CNN. If you did it well your ratings would be much better."
He moved to another reporter, but Acosta refused to turn over the microphone.
"That's enough. That's enough," Trump said.
When Acosta asked about the Russia investigation, Trump said: "It's a hoax. Put down the mic."
Trump continued: "CNN should be ashamed of themselves having you working for them. You are a rude, terrible person. You shouldn't be working for CNN."
Acosta tried to interrupt, asserting Trump was being unfair. He also again refused to give up the microphone, pushing away an aide who reached out for it.
"The way you treat Sarah Huckabee is horrible," Trump said. "The way you treat other people is horrible. You shouldn't treat people like that."
Acosta still refused to quit badgering, prompting Trump to say: "Just sit down please. When you report fake news, which CNN does a lot, you are an enemy of the people."
"This conduct is beyond reprehensible," said Sean Hannity on his Fox News broadcast. "Imagine anybody doing this to Obama."
Fox News' Chris Wallace called Acosta's behavior "shameful."
"I've never seen anything like it," Wallace said.