A federal judge ruled against the Associated Press (AP) in its lawsuit seeking to regain privileged access to presidential events, rejecting the outlet’s argument that the White House violated press freedoms. The decision upholds President Donald Trump’s authority to determine which media outlets receive exclusive access.
The dispute began after AP was denied entry to Air Force One, the Oval Office and Mar-a-Lago, leading the news agency to sue press secretary Karoline Leavitt, chief of staff Susie Wiles and deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich. U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden sided with the White House, stating that special access is granted at the president’s discretion and is not a constitutional right.
TRUMP WINS IN COURT AGAINST THE AP.
THE RESULT: pic.twitter.com/qHMnl01eki
— john jackson (@pvtjokerus) February 25, 2025
The White House defended its position by pointing out that AP remains free to cover press briefings and public events. Administration officials emphasized that the decision was not about silencing the media but about maintaining control over which outlets receive direct presidential access.
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
A key point of contention in the dispute is AP’s refusal to adopt the administration’s renaming of the Gulf of Mexico. Trump, who issued an executive order declaring it the “Gulf of America,” made clear that AP’s exclusion would continue until the outlet followed the new terminology. Speaking at Mar-a-Lago, Trump said, “We’re going to keep them out until such time as they agree that it’s the Gulf of America.”
Judge McFadden rejected AP’s claims of “irreparable harm,” stating that the outlet could still obtain the same information through pool reports and televised events. The court scheduled a hearing for March 20 to further review AP’s request for reinstated access.
The administration’s decision has drawn mixed reactions from the media. The New York Times and The Washington Post have continued to refer to the body of water as the Gulf of Mexico, while Fox News has adopted the White House’s preferred name.
