Judge Denies AP’s Request to Restore White House Access Amid ‘Gulf of America’ Dispute

[Social Media]

 

A federal judge has declined to immediately reinstate The Associated Press’s access to key White House spaces, including the Oval Office, amid an ongoing dispute between the Trump administration and the wire service over its refusal to adopt the term “Gulf of America” in its stylebook. The decision comes as the AP challenges what it describes as government retaliation against the press.  

 

U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden, appointed by Trump during his first term, ruled that the AP had not demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits, emphasizing that more legal arguments are needed before a decision can be made. “Given the stakes” for both parties, he scheduled an expedited hearing for March 20 to consider the matter further. In response, the AP reiterated its commitment to press freedom, stating, “We look forward to our next hearing on March 20 where we will continue to stand for the right of the press and the public to speak freely without government retaliation. This is a fundamental American freedom.”  

 

The AP claims that the White House’s decision to bar its reporters from certain events, including those in the Oval Office and on Air Force One, stems from its refusal to comply with the administration’s push for an “official government vocabulary.” The White House, in turn, argues that the president has the right to determine which reporters receive access, particularly those who he believes will accurately convey his message to the public.  

 

The AP’s lawsuit, filed last week against three White House officials, challenges what it calls a “targeted attack” on its editorial independence.

 

According to court filings, the restrictions began on February 11, initially preventing AP print journalists from attending Oval Office events. Since then, AP photographers have also been barred, and further access to broader press events has been restricted. Charles Tobin, an attorney representing the AP, described the administration’s actions as an attempt to pressure the wire service into “changing the national vocabulary.” He argued that while the president has the right to decline AP’s questions, he cannot lawfully block the organization from participating in the White House press pool. “The ground seems to keep shifting,” Tobin said, referring to the widening scope of AP’s access restrictions.  

 

Judge McFadden raised questions about the role of the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) in determining press access, suggesting it was “a little odd” for the White House to be bound by an external organization’s decisions. At one point, he even floated the idea that the administration could “decide to throw out” the WHCA altogether. Justice Department lawyer Brian Hudak, defending the White House, argued that the president has the authority to determine who receives “special access” to him and noted that AP has historically enjoyed an advantageous position, with permanent pool assignments for one photographer and one print reporter.

 

Hudak also asserted that the First Amendment guarantees the right to publish news, but not the right to gather it. He further contended that the White House could, if it wished, dismantle the current press pool system altogether and instead grant access on an event-by-event basis.  

 

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich, one of the officials named in the lawsuit, defended the administration’s actions, saying that AP’s refusal to adopt the term “Gulf of America” reflected a broader commitment to “misinformation.” “While their right to irresponsible and dishonest reporting is protected by the First Amendment, it does not ensure their privilege of unfettered access to limited spaces, like the Oval Office and Air Force One,” Budowich said.  

 

The AP, a widely recognized nonpartisan news agency, has long been relied upon by media organizations for standardized reporting guidelines. Its stylebook continues to use “Gulf of Mexico” to describe the body of water in question, stating that the name is widely understood both in the U.S. and internationally. However, it also notes Trump’s decision to rename it “Gulf of America” after taking office.  

 

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, also named in the lawsuit, dismissed the AP’s challenge during a recent speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference, declaring, “We’ll see them in court.” She added that the administration believes it is “in the right in this position,” signaling that it intends to continue defending its actions as the case proceeds.

 

Based on a report by The Hill  2025-02-24

 

 

[HappyExpat57]

Anyone taking bets on how long before Karoline Leavitt is featured on "Dancing With The Stars?"

[impulse]

21 minutes ago, HappyExpat57 said:

Anyone taking bets on how long before Karoline Leavitt is featured on "Dancing With The Stars?"

 

Long before anyone would even want to see KJP.  Ever again.

 

[theblether]

I think the basic dispute is dumb but the WHCA has doubled down today and they'll find that they cannot demand access for anyone to the White House. 

 

They have no authority whatsoever. None. And the WHCA better be careful cos Trump has history with them. 

[theblether]

24 minutes ago, HappyExpat57 said:

Anyone taking bets on how long before Karoline Leavitt is featured on "Dancing With The Stars?"

 

Stupid misogynistic remark. Shameful. 

[HappyExpat57]

Just now, theblether said:

 

Stupid misogynistic remark. Shameful. 

ANOTHER idiotic post with no AN merit or logic behind it, just another troll. Say Hi to all your friends in my phantom zone of ignore.

[theblether]

1 minute ago, HappyExpat57 said:

ANOTHER idiotic post with no AN merit or logic behind it, just another troll. Say Hi to all your friends in my phantom zone of ignore.

 

Touchy. 

 

Your type won't be missed. You couldn't wait to attack the young lady.  Worthless and cowardly halfwit. 

[blaze master]

22 minutes ago, HappyExpat57 said:

ANOTHER idiotic post with no AN merit or logic behind it, just another troll. Say Hi to all your friends in my phantom zone of ignore.

 

Me no like you call me out. Me put you on ignore better. 

 

Nice avatar. 

[HappyExpat57]

24 minutes ago, blaze master said:

 

Me no like you call me out. Me put you on ignore better. 

 

Nice avatar. 

I thought I already put you in the phantom zone. Thanks and buh bye . . .

[theblether]

10 minutes ago, HappyExpat57 said:

I thought I already put you in the phantom zone. Thanks and buh bye . . .

 

It's rancid trolls like this misogynistic filth that drove our once vibrant female membership off this platform. 

 

An absolute disgrace. Permanent silence from this creep would be a good thing for this forum. 

[blaze master]

35 minutes ago, HappyExpat57 said:

I thought I already put you in the phantom zone. Thanks and buh bye . . .

 

You mean your echo chamber of racist hate ? 

 

Nice avatar.

[frank83628]

7 minutes ago, blaze master said:

 

You mean your echo chamber of racist hate ? 

 

Nice avatar.

They can give it but not take it. Create their own echo chambers

[frank83628]

The whole thing was stupid, however, The press act totally different to how they did with Biden. No respect shown, then bitch like a victim when I blows up in their face