- A federal judge has denied The Associated Press’s request to immediately reinstate full press access, leaving its Oval Office and Air Force One privileges limited. The AP had sued after the White House imposed restrictions over a Gulf of America language dispute.
- The judge ruled in favor of the White House, but cautioned that its actions might be considered “viewpoint discrimination” and could lose in court.
- Around 40 news organizations, including Fox News and Newsmax, have expressed support for the AP’s right to access, urging the White House to reverse its decision.
Full Story
The Associated Press will continue to face limited access to the Oval Office and Air Force One after a federal judge denied the AP’s request for an emergency order to reinstate its press privileges.
The AP filed a lawsuit seeking to have its access restored after the White House restricted the organization from certain spaces. The restrictions were imposed due to the AP’s refusal to adopt the term “Gulf of America” instead of “Gulf of Mexico” in its reporting.
Court sides with White House for now
In his ruling, the judge sided with the White House, stating that The Associated Press still has the ability to cover presidential events, even if not always in person. However, he issued a warning to the White House, suggesting that its actions may not withstand future legal scrutiny, calling the decision “clearly viewpoint discrimination.”
“It might be appropriate for the White House… to consider if what they’re doing is really appropriate given the case law.”
U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden
Parallels to a 2019 CNN case
This case draws comparisons to a 2019 incident, in which a federal court ordered the White House to reinstate CNN reporter Jim Acosta’s press credentials after they were revoked.
The judge has called for an expedited briefing in the current case, with a hearing scheduled for March 20.
White House responds to ruling
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the ruling during an appearance on Fox News’ Sean Hannity.
“The judge’s denial of The Associated Press reinforces what I said from the podium and what Trump has been saying,” Leavitt said. “Covering the presidency in the most intimate and limited spaces in the White House, in the Oval Office, Air Force One, is a privilege, not a legal right. We want all voices to have that opportunity, which is why we’ve expanded the briefing room to invite truly independent journalists and podcasters to cover this president with honesty and accuracy.”
News organizations rally behind the AP
Last week, 40 news organizations signed a joint letter to the White House in support of The Associated Press. Even some conservative outlets, including Fox News and Newsmax, urged the White House to restore the AP’s access.
Newsmax released a statement, saying, “We can understand President Trump’s frustration because the media has often been unfair to him, but Newsmax supports the AP’s right, as a private organization, to use the language it wants to use in its reporting.”
As of this report, The Associated Press has not commented on the latest ruling.
