Judge Orders White House to Restore AP’s Access to Press Pool

The Epoch Times Header

The news wire service had been kicked out after it refused to use the name ‘Gulf of America.’

U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden ruled on April 8 that President Donald Trump’s administration cannot exclude the Associated Press new wire service (AP) from the White House press pool, solely based on its refusal to use the name “Gulf of America” instead of Gulf of Mexico.

The AP had sued the Trump administration and some of its press staff after it lost its place in the exclusive, 13-member press pool, which has access to the president in places like the Oval Office, or while traveling on Air Force One.

McFadden ruled that the government infringed upon the AP’s First Amendment rights by kicking them out of the pool on Feb. 11, after it refused to update its style guide to reflect Trump’s order that changed the name of the body of water bordering the southern United States.

On Feb. 25, the White House announced that its press team would decide who was eligible for press pool access, taking that privilege away from the White House Press Correspondents’ Association.

The AP defended itself by saying it was an international outlet, and that most of the world still used the term “Gulf of Mexico.”

It alleged in court that the White House was limiting its access to events that were generally open to most other media.

McFadden found that the AP had indeed been “excluded from large events far more often than its peers,” although it was sometimes allowed to have a photographer, or a journalist from one of its overseas branches, present.

He also noted that the AP has been “hemorrhaging” money for the past two months, as the quality of its reporting and photography declined due to lost access, and its customers turned to other outlets.

However, the judge did not directly order the White House to grant the AP “permanent access to the Oval Office, the East Room, or any other media event,” but narrowly ruled that it must restore its place in the press pool, and treat the media outlet the same as others.

By Stacy Robinson

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Columns

Viewers like you

There is no constitutional authority for any spending on public broadcasting – period. Any questions: See Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution.

Trans-wormal

No worm ever said "I am anthropomorphizing, I am a butterfly" to a toad or flock of geese and expected acknowledgement and support.

In Greenland’s Icy Capital, Past Troubles Haunt Hopes for the Future

As geopolitical realities and ongoing economic growth raise the stakes, U.S. interest in Greenland and the dream of independence may change things in a big way.

How a Chinese Government Statistician Was Forced to Report Fake Data

Chinese local govt employee produced a non-authorized report on bees and was visited by police and threatened with being sent to a mental hospital.

‘This One Time, at Groomer Camp’

All Camp Brave Trails programs focus on helping LGBTQ+ youth find what they need most to thrive: their people, their place, and their passion.

News

Kilmar Abrego Garcia Returns to US to Face Criminal Charges

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a citizen of El Salvador, is on his way back to the US, where he will face criminal charges for allegedly smuggling illegal immigrants.

White House Adviser Gives Update on DOGE’s Future Amid Musk–Trump Spat

A top White House adviser said DOGE’s work will likely continue amid a spat between its former chief, Elon Musk, and President Donald Trump.

Trump Administration Asks Supreme Court to Allow Dismantling of Education Department

Trump admin asked Supreme Court to allow it to resume dismantling U.S. Dept of Education, following a lower court’s previous order halting process.

FTC Warns of Rising Student Loan Scams, Says Fraudsters Took Millions From Borrowers

FTC is warning borrowers to steer clear of student loan debt-relief scams, after shutting down group of companies that allegedly charged millions in illegal fees and left customers worse off.

Walmart’s Drone Delivery Coming to 5 More US Cities

Walmart is set to launch its drone delivery service in five more U.S. cities: Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Orlando, and Tampa, the company.

Court Orders Trump Administration to Restore AmeriCorps Funding to States

Federal court ordered Trump admin to restore AmeriCorps funding to states. The ruling comes as part of a lawsuit filed by 24 states and DC.

Tax Deductions You Can Take Without Itemizing

It’s not always beneficial to itemize. With IRS’s current standard deduction for 2025 most Americans who can’t itemize go with standard deduction.

US Economy Adds 139,000 New Jobs in May, Topping Market Forecasts

U.S. economy added 139,000 new jobs last month, surpassing economists’ expectations and indicating U.S. labor market remains in a robust position.
spot_img

Related Articles