# Secret Service Denies Press Access Despite Court Order

The United States Secret Service (USSS) has reportedly denied press access in violation of a federal court order, raising significant concerns about enforcement of judicial rulings within the executive branch. This situation highlights challenges in accountability mechanisms, as enforcement agencies like the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) and Department of Justice (DOJ) face constraints under executive control. The denial of media access, particularly during sensitive events such as foreign leader visits in Washington, D.C., underscores risks to government transparency and legal compliance that may affect contractors involved in security, event management, and media facilitation.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should be aware of potential operational and compliance risks when contracting with agencies like the USSS, especially for services related to event security and media access management.
- This incident signals possible increased scrutiny or changes in policies governing contractor roles in enforcing access controls and compliance with court orders.
- Organizations providing services to federal law enforcement or security agencies may need to evaluate contractual terms related to legal compliance and transparency requirements.
- Media and communications contractors should consider the implications of restricted access policies on their operational planning and risk management in federal events.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Public Safety
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 24, 2026

### Government Entities
- United States Secret Service (USSS)
- United States Marshals Service (USMS)
- Department of Justice (DOJ)
- Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS)
- United States Congress

### Key Quotes
> If this agent knew of the court order and still followed his orders to not let them in. That makes him culpable in the crime? We cannot carry out orders we know to be illegal right? I wish this were the truth.
> — Commenter

> The AP is still banned despite court orders. AP is pretty much just banned from the Oval and AF1, which is insane.
> — Original poster

### Sources
- [Extremely bold of Secret Service to violate a federal court order…](https://www.reddit.com/r/fednews/comments/1wp1gct/extremely_bold_of_secret_service_to_violate_a) - reddit-fednews