The Associated Press has launched a legal battle against the Trump administration, claiming its reporters were barred from Oval Office press events and Air Force One access for refusing to use the term “Gulf of America” in place of “Gulf of Mexico.” The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington, DC, argues that the White House’s actions violate the First Amendment.
The lawsuit names White House Chief of Staff Susan Wiles, Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. The AP asserts that the administration is attempting to control language in media coverage by limiting access for journalists who refuse to comply with the official terminology.
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 previously warned that media outlets pushing “falsehoods” would be held accountable, while Budowich defended the decision, stating that AP’s refusal to adopt the government-approved name change demonstrated a commitment to spreading misinformation.
Despite the lawsuit, the White House has made it clear that AP reporters still retain general press credentials and can cover events from the White House complex. However, they will not be allowed in restricted areas until they follow the administration’s guidelines.
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 ruling to reinstate full access for its journalists, arguing that barring them from key press events limits their ability to provide accurate reporting.
The case, which has been assigned to Judge Trevor McFadden, could set a legal precedent regarding media access and government control over press coverage.
