A new legal fight between the Associated Press and the Trump administration is unfolding after AP journalists were blocked from the Oval Office and Air Force One. The lawsuit, filed in Washington, D.C., argues that the White House violated constitutional rights by limiting access based on the news outlet’s refusal to use the name “Gulf of America” instead of “Gulf of Mexico.”
The lawsuit targets three top administration officials: White House Chief of Staff Susan Wiles, Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich, and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. AP lawyers claim the administration’s decision is an attempt to control how journalists report the news.
FREE PRESS: Based on the arguments made by the AP in its lawsuit against the White House, RT and Pravda have the same right to be in the Oval Office as the AP. For that matter so do I, should I sue? pic.twitter.com/zYJaOqgtm5
— @amuse (@amuse) February 22, 2025
The dispute began earlier this month when the White House made it clear that media outlets spreading “falsehoods” would face consequences. Budowich defended the decision to limit AP’s access, saying the outlet had deliberately refused to acknowledge the official name change.
Despite the restrictions, AP reporters still retain general White House press credentials. However, the exclusion from presidential events has raised concerns about freedom of the press.
Associated Press sues White House officials in bid to regain access to press pool https://t.co/xt9IfhIGW6
— WSJ Business News (@WSJbusiness) February 21, 2025
The AP is seeking an emergency court order to reinstate access. Legal experts suggest this case could set a precedent for media access rights under the First Amendment.
With the lawsuit now in motion, the White House has remained firm in its position, indicating that it is prepared to fight the case in court.
