A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration must lift its restrictions on the Associated Press (AP), restoring the news agency’s access to presidential events. The decision comes after the AP filed a lawsuit, arguing that the White House’s actions violated press freedom and the First Amendment.
The restrictions were initially imposed after the AP refused to adopt the administration’s terminology change for the “Gulf of Mexico,” continuing to use the traditional name despite an executive order renaming it the “Gulf of America.”
U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden sided with the AP, stating that while the government is not obligated to grant every media outlet full access, it cannot deny access based on editorial choices or viewpoint. The ruling requires that AP reporters be allowed back into key events, including briefings and travel aboard Air Force One.
Although the judge’s order takes effect immediately, it is temporarily paused until April 13 to allow the administration time to appeal. The ruling has been hailed by press freedom advocates as a crucial step in protecting journalistic independence and upholding constitutional rights in the face of political pressure.
