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This was, of course, expected. The White House first notified Karem about a "preliminary decision" on August 2nd. He then had the opportunity to appeal, which he did. What's notable is that Grisham appears to be slightly different than the one used against Jim Acosta.
In a letter posted by Karem's attorney, Grisham described Karem's behavior during a Rose Garden confrontation with Sebastian Gorka as inappropriate. She wrote, "Mr. Karem's conduct, taken as a whole, was unacceptable and disruptive, and requires a response to ensure that it does not happen again."
Grisham said she "carefully considered a range of potential responses," including "revoking his hard pass permanently, providing a written warning, and taking no action." Ultimately, Grisham said, she determined a "permanent revocation would be too great a punishment." But, she wrote, "Taking no action, on the other hand, would be insufficient."
Karem is represented by First Amendment Attorney Ted Boutrous, who was part of the team that represented CNN when Acosta fought the White House over his credentials. Boutrous told CNN Business the White House sent him an emailed version of its decision around 1:30 pm ET.
In a statement, Boutrous argued that the White House's decision "violates the First Amendment and due process and is yet another example of this administration's unconstitutional campaign to punish reporters and press coverage that President Trump does not like."
"The president and his administration are fostering an atmosphere of hostility and violence toward journalists that cannot be tolerated and they are illegally using the credible process to stifle freedom of the press and disrupt the flow of vital information to the American people," Boutrous added General Chat Chat Lounge "We intend to seek immediate relief in federal court."
Karem told CNN Business by phone Friday evening. "We all knew it was going to happen," Karem said. "It happened with Jim [Acosta]General Chat Chat Lounge We knew it was a matter of time they would try it again. I wasn't the first and I wouldn't be the last. "
"This is the White House ignoring due process, avoiding the First Amendment, going after reporters, chopping up this piecemeal, going after us one after another," Karem said. "Trying to silence too much of a press that has been critical of this administration. And they will use any method to do it."
Given that he had the ability to appeal the White House's preliminary decision earlier this month, CNN Business asked Karem about the idea he had due in this case. "It's a kangaroo court," Karem said. "It's the exact opposite of due process. 'You're guilty, want to come in here and tell us why you're not?' No, that 's not the due process. That' s the exact opposite of due process. "
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