A U.S. District Judge ruled on Tuesday that the Trump White House must lift the restrictions placed on the Associated Press (AP) while its ongoing lawsuit moves forward. The ruling mandates that the White House provide AP journalists with access to key areas, including the Oval Office, Air Force One, and White House events. This decision comes after the news agency continued to refer to the Gulf of Mexico by its traditional name, despite President Trump’s order to rename it the Gulf of America.
Judge Trevor McFadden, appointed by Trump, ruled that the White House’s actions violated the First Amendment. He stated that if the government allows some journalists to access public spaces like the Oval Office, it cannot exclude others based on their views. McFadden’s decision will not take effect until Sunday, giving the Trump administration time to appeal. The final ruling is expected in the coming months and could also be appealed.
In a statement, AP spokesperson Lauren Easton emphasized the importance of the ruling in protecting press freedom, saying, “Today’s ruling affirms the fundamental right of the press and public to speak freely without government retaliation.” The White House did not respond to requests for comment.
The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) expressed support for the decision, highlighting the importance of an independent media. “The WHCA board applauds today’s decision supporting our country’s foundational ideal that the government should not be able to control the independent media that covers it,” they said.
The dispute began when AP refused to adopt President Trump’s preferred name for the Gulf of Mexico. The AP’s stylebook has used the Gulf of Mexico for over 400 years, and while acknowledging Trump’s new name, the agency maintained its stance on the traditional name. The AP filed a lawsuit against three senior Trump aides in February, claiming the restrictions were an attempt to force the media to adopt the administration’s language. The lawsuit argued that these actions violated the First Amendment and due process rights, as the AP was unable to challenge the restrictions.
The Trump administration’s lawyers argued that the AP had no right to special access to the White House. During a March 27 hearing, two AP journalists, Zeke Miller and Evan Vucci, testified that the restrictions hindered their ability to report effectively. “We’re basically dead in the water on major stories,” Vucci said, referencing the limitations on their access to crucial events. Miller added that he had noticed a shift in the questions asked by reporters, suggesting a softer tone in their coverage of the president.
Justice Department lawyer Brian Hudak defended the restrictions, claiming the White House had the right to limit access to the president’s personal and workspaces. He accused the AP of refusing to adhere to what the administration considered U.S. law.
As a result of the restrictions, AP journalists were excluded from the “press pool,” a group of reporters assigned to cover events in the Oval Office and travel with the president. In February, the White House assumed control over the composition of the press pool, a role traditionally held by Reuters, which now shares a rotating spot with other wire services.
The AP has been barred from attending larger White House events open to other journalists with press credentials. This has prevented AP reporters from witnessing key moments and responding to breaking news in real time.
The move has drawn criticism from various press freedom organizations and the WHCA. Most major news outlets, including Reuters, continue to use the name Gulf of Mexico, while providing context about Trump’s executive order.
The Associated Press, founded in 1846, operates in nearly 100 countries and provides news in text, photos, graphics, and video to global clients.
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