Trump Administration Faces Lawsuit After AP Reporters Barred From Events
The Associated Press has taken legal action against the Trump administration, claiming that White House officials banned its reporters from key presidential events over their refusal to use the name “Gulf of America” in place of “Gulf of Mexico.” The lawsuit, filed in a Washington, DC, federal court, argues that the administration’s actions are unconstitutional.
The complaint was filed against White House Chief Of Staff Susan Wiles, Deputy Chief Of Staff Taylor Budowich and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. The AP contends that its removal from the Oval Office and Air Force One is a direct effort to control news coverage, violating both First and Fifth Amendment protections.
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
Leavitt had previously warned that news outlets spreading “falsehoods” would face consequences, while Budowich defended the administration’s stance, accusing the AP of refusing to recognize a lawful geographic name change.
The White House maintains that AP reporters still have access to the White House complex, though they are no longer included in certain restricted press events. The administration has framed the decision as a way to open up access for other media outlets.
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 argues that limiting access to certain reporters based on editorial decisions threatens press freedom. The lawsuit is seeking an emergency hearing to overturn the decision and reinstate full access for AP journalists.
As the legal battle unfolds, the case is expected to test the limits of government control over media access.