CNN, MS NOW and Politico can be shut out from areas of the White House at President Donald Trump's request, the Department of Justice said on Tuesday, a day ahead of a court hearing.

The three leading outlets went to court after Trump ordered on Friday that they be barred from the presidential mansion as punishment for distributing what he calls "fake news."

A US district judge set a hearing on the complaint for Wednesday.

The Department of Justice said in a court filing that Trump can "control reporters' access to restricted presidential areas, such as the Oval Office."

"Access to the White House is a privilege -- not a right," it added.

The court filing said that letters explaining the president's reasons for the ban had been sent to the outlets on Tuesday. They have until Friday to object.

The letters cite numerous "reporting incidents" by the outlets that "threatened national security a...