US broadcaster CNN is suing the Trump administration over a decision to revoke White House correspondent Jim Acosta's press credentials.

The administration pulled Acosta's press pass last week after a heated exchange with President Donald Trump during a White House news conference, in which the president called the CNN reporter a "rude, terrible person."

The network said it was seeking "an immediate restraining order", forcing the White House to return Acosta's White House press credentials, and that it "will seek permanent relief as part of this process." 

"The wrongful revocation of these credentials violates CNN and Acosta’s First Amendment rights of freedom of the press, and their Fifth Amendment rights to due process," the network said in a statement posted to its website.

"While the suit is specific to CNN and Acosta, this could have happened to anyone," the statement reads. "If left unchallenged, the actions of the White House would create a dangerous chilling effect for any journalist who covers our elected officials." 

The lawsuit was filed on Tuesday in Washington DC district court.

Press secretary Sarah Sanders is named as a defendant in CNN's lawsuit, along with Trump, chief of staff John Kelly and deputy chief of staff for communications Bill Shine.

The Secret Service, agency director Randolph Alles and an unidentified Secret Service agent are also listed as defendants in the court filing.

Reporter Jim Acosta's exchange with President Trump hit headlines last week when President Trump ordered Acosta to "put down the mic" after a question about the Migrant Caravan.

President Trump told Acosta: “CNN should be ashamed of itself having you working for them. You are a rude, terrible person. You should not be working for CNN.”