WASHINGTON (AP)—U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Kelly ordered the White House to immediately return CNN reporter Jim Acosta’s credentials while the cable network's lawsuit continues.

The Trump appointee announced his decision Friday morning. Mr. Kelly found that Acosta was “irreparably harmed” and dismissed the government’s argument that CNN could send another reporter in Acosta’s place to cover the White House.

CNN had asked that Acosta’s credentials be returned while a lawsuit over their revocation goes forward.

Mr. Acosta has thanked the judge who ordered the Trump administration to immediately return his White House press credentials, saying Friday that he wanted to thank fellow reporters who supported him and the judge for the “decision he made today.” In brief remarks after the ruling, Acosta said, “Let’s go back to work!”

The network’s chief White House correspondent has clashed repeatedly with Trump and press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders in briefings over the last two years. But the White House pulled his credentials last week following a combative press conference in which he clashed with Trump.

Trump has made his dislike of CNN clear since before he took office and continuing into his presidency. He’s described the network as “fake news” both on Twitter and in public comments.