A federal judge ruled against the Associated Press (AP) in its lawsuit against the White House, declining to reinstate the outlet’s access to exclusive presidential events. The lawsuit, brought against press secretary Karoline Leavitt, chief of staff Susie Wiles and deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich, challenged the administration’s decision to revoke AP’s special privileges.
U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden determined that AP had not proven it suffered harm from losing its direct access to the Oval Office, Air Force One and Mar-a-Lago. McFadden’s ruling sided with the White House, which argued that access to these spaces is granted at the president’s discretion. The judge pointed out that AP still retains general media access to White House press facilities and is not barred from covering events.
TRUMP WINS IN COURT AGAINST THE AP.
THE RESULT: pic.twitter.com/qHMnl01eki
— john jackson (@pvtjokerus) February 25, 2025
The White House has defended its decision, stating that the AP’s reporting has continued uninterrupted. Administration officials have argued that the lawsuit is not about restricting press freedom but about revoking privileges that are not constitutionally protected. “Losing special media access to the president infringes no constitutional right,” the White House said in its response.
White House Epically Reminds the AP It’s the 'Gulf of America' After Pro-Trump Court Ruling https://t.co/6D2PQerMMK
— Fearless45 (@Fearless45Trump) February 25, 2025
The dispute escalated after AP refused to comply with the administration’s decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.” Trump personally addressed the situation, stating, “We’re going to keep them out until such time as they agree that it’s the Gulf of America.”
The judge scheduled a hearing for March 20 to determine whether AP’s special access should be restored. Meanwhile, other media outlets, including The New York Times and The Washington Post, have continued using the term Gulf of Mexico, while Fox News has adopted the White House’s preferred designation.
Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of the Interior to officially update government records with the new name. February 9 was designated as “Gulf of America Day,” reinforcing the administration’s commitment to the rebranding.
