Trump Admin violated press freedom in AP journalists White House ban-Court rules

A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration acted unconstitutionally by barring the Associated Press (AP) from presidential events following a disagreement over the renaming of a geographic location.

Judge Trevor McFadden declared on Tuesday that restricting AP reporters’ access to White House events due to editorial choices violates the First Amendment, which protects freedom of the press and expression.

The conflict began after President Donald Trump issued an executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America." The AP, however, chose to continue referring to the body of water by its traditional name, prompting the administration to block its reporters from covering certain events, including those on Air Force One.

McFadden, a Trump appointee, emphasized that while the government may regulate access to press events, it cannot discriminate based on a journalist’s viewpoint. His ruling will take effect on Sunday, allowing the government a brief window to file an appeal.

The AP had argued in its lawsuit that the administration’s actions were retaliatory and aimed at silencing critical coverage. The lawsuit named senior officials including White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich.

While government attorneys contended that media outlets do not have an inherent right to special presidential access, the judge ruled that once such access is granted to some, it cannot be denied to others for arbitrary or political reasons.

Following the decision, AP spokesperson Lauren Easton said the organization was “grateful for the court’s affirmation of press freedoms,” calling it a vital victory for journalists and the public alike.

The Trump administration's move to rename the Gulf was described by the White House as a way to “honor the gulf’s integral role in American history,” but the AP maintained journalistic independence by declining to adopt the new terminology.

As a result, the agency was excluded from participating in key press activities typically shared among media pool members, prompting the legal challenge now resolved in its favor—pending any appeal.