The outlet had its access limited after it refused to use the name ‘Gulf of America’ after Trump’s order changing the name of the ‘Gulf of Mexico.’
WASHINGTON—A federal judge on Feb. 24 refused the Associated Press’s (AP) emergency bid to force the White House to restore its press access to the Oval Office and Air Force One.
In denying the application, U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden agreed with the government that AP was asking for special access to the White House, and that an emergency block was not necessary because the news outlet was not being harmed irreparably.
The AP filed its suit last week, naming White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich, and chief of staff Susan Wiles as defendants, and alleging that the administration violated the First Amendment by retaliating against the outlet over its decision not to use “Gulf of America” instead of “Gulf of Mexico” after Trump’s executive order changing the name.
The outlet said it would continue using “Gulf of Mexico” and that it would mention the name change because its style book demands it “must ensure that place names and geography are easily recognizable to all audiences.” AP’s stylebook is used by most media organizations as an initial reference point.
According to the plaintiffs, Leavitt requested a meeting with AP’s chief White House correspondent, Zeke Miller, on Feb. 11, where she informed him that the agency would be banned from the Oval Office press pool until it began using the term “Gulf of America” in its reporting.
The AP also alleged that this is a violation of its Fifth Amendment right to due process.
The White House urged McFadden to reject AP’s request for a restraining order, arguing that the AP continues to enjoy general press access, like any other media outlet, and has continued to report on Trump’s administration.
The AP has no special right to “unfettered access to the president’s exclusive gatherings, even when other news agencies do not have that right,” the government said.
“Most journalists have no routine access to the Oval Office, Air Force One, or the president’s home at Mar-a-Lago.”
