Judge Orders White House To Lift Ban On Associated Press Access

A federal judge on Tuesday ordered the White House to temporarily lift access restrictions it imposed on the Associated Press, pending the outcome of a lawsuit filed by the news organization.

The restrictions, in place since Feb. 11, had barred AP reporters from Oval Office events, Air Force One flights and other official functions, reported the Washington Post.

The dispute centers on the White House's demand that the AP use the term "Gulf of America" rather than "Gulf of Mexico" in its coverage. The AP declined, citing editorial independence, and filed a lawsuit on Feb. 21 against three Trump administration officials, claiming viewpoint discrimination.

U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden sided with the AP, ruling that the government cannot exclude journalists from press events based on their editorial decisions. While the judge delayed enforcement of the ruling for five days to allow for administrative response, he was clear in his stance.

"If the Government opens its doors to some journalists… it cannot then shut those doors to other journalists because of their viewpoints," McFadden wrote. "The Constitution requires no less."

McFadden found the AP likely to succeed on the merits of its First Amendment claims. Testimony from AP's chief photographer and White House correspondent described how the ban hindered the organization's competitiveness and slowed its news gathering — concerns the judge deemed credible.

He also criticized the administration's "brazen" justification for the ban, rooted in the AP's continued use of "Gulf of Mexico."

AP spokesperson Lauren Easton praised the ruling, calling it a victory for press freedom. "Today's ruling affirms the fundamental right of the press and public to speak freely without government retaliation," she said.

The White House has not issued a response as of publication Tuesday.

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