US court orders White House to restore access for AP journalists

A US judge has ordered the Trump administration to restore access for the Associated Press (AP) to presidential events. This follows a dispute over the term "Gulf of America." The White House had blocked AP's access after the agency refused to change its terminology.

District Judge Trevor McFadden stated that the administration's restrictions violate the First Amendment. This amendment guarantees freedom of speech in the US Constitution.

The AP declined to use "Gulf of America," which President Trump renamed via executive order. As a result, AP could not attend press events at the White House or on Air Force One.

Judge McFadden, appointed by Trump, delayed his ruling until Sunday. This gives government lawyers time to appeal his decision.

In his ruling, Judge McFadden emphasized that if the government allows some journalists access, it cannot deny others based on their viewpoints. He stated that this is a constitutional requirement.

The AP argued that Trump's actions violated its right to free speech due to disagreement with its language. In February, Judge McFadden initially did not restore access for AP.

After Tuesday's ruling, AP spokesperson Lauren Easton expressed gratitude for the decision. She said it affirms press and public rights without government retaliation.

The news organization filed a lawsuit against three senior aides in February. They claimed these restrictions were unlawful and infringed upon press freedom.

The lawsuit named Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, chief of staff Susie Wiles, and deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich as defendants.

Trump administration lawyers contended that AP does not have special access rights to the president.

Shortly after taking office in January, Trump signed an executive order renaming Gulf of Mexico as "Gulf of America." The White House claimed this reflects its status as part of America.

The AP announced it would continue using "Gulf of Mexico" despite Trump's efforts to rename it. In response, the administration restricted AP's access to White House events covered by a smaller pool of journalists.