A U.S. federal judge has denied the Associated Press’s request to immediately restore full access to the White House after President Donald Trump’s administration barred the news agency from certain events. The dispute centers around the AP’s continued use of the term “Gulf of Mexico” in its reporting, despite an executive order signed by President Trump to rename it the “Gulf of America.”
Judge Trevor McFadden ruled on Monday against the AP’s request for a temporary injunction that would reinstate its access to the Oval Office, Air Force One, and other White House events. “I can’t say the AP has shown a likelihood of success here,” Judge McFadden stated during the hearing, noting that access to “more private areas” of the White House differs from previous cases where journalists’ access was revoked.
The AP argues that the White House’s actions violate the First Amendment, claiming that the administration is attempting to dictate the language used in news coverage. “We will continue to stand for the right of the press and the public to speak freely without government retaliation,” said AP spokesperson Lauren Easton.
The White House maintained that access to the President in certain settings is a privilege, not a right. “Asking the President of the United States questions in the Oval Office and aboard Air Force One is a privilege granted to journalists, not a legal right,” a White House statement read.
The case has sparked concerns over press freedom and government retaliation against media outlets. The White House Correspondents’ Association supported the AP’s position, stating that the ban could “chill and distort news coverage of the president to the public’s detriment.”
The judge has set an expedited schedule to consider a longer-term order in the case, with the next hearing scheduled for March 20. The AP plans to continue its legal fight to restore full access and uphold journalistic independence.
President Trump’s executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico has been met with controversy, as the body of water has been known by its current name for centuries. Despite the order, the AP and other media outlets have continued to use the traditional name in their reporting.
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the relationship between the media and the government, particularly concerning freedom of the press and the ability of journalists to report without undue influence or retaliation.
