The Associated Press has initiated legal action against the Trump administration due to its exclusion from significant presidential events. This exclusion occurred following the AP’s refusal to adopt the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, a change mandated by an executive order signed by President Trump on his first day in office. The order affects only federal government usage and does not extend its authority beyond the United States.
The AP’s guidelines advise journalists and affiliated news organizations to acknowledge this renaming while maintaining the Gulf’s traditional name. The lawsuit claims that the administration’s response poses a threat to freedom, emphasizing that the press and U.S. citizens should have the freedom to choose their language without governmental retaliation.
The legal complaint, filed by Ballard Spahr law firm attorneys, states that governmental control and retribution are impermissible under the Constitution, as they threaten every American’s freedom. The news agency asserts that its reporters have been denied access to important venues such as the Oval Office, Air Force One, Mar-a-Lago, and other locations typically accessible to media with White House press credentials.
The issue has prompted appeals and private negotiations from various media outlets, as well as diplomatic efforts, though neither side has shown willingness to relent. President Trump indicated a firm stance, stating that AP reporters would continue to be barred until they recognize the name Gulf of America.
Conversations took place between AP Executive Editor Julie Pace and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles in Florida, but neither party commented on the outcome. The AP reaffirmed its commitment to an independent editorial policy. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, addressing the lawsuit at the Conservative Political Action Conference, indicated the administration’s readiness to face the matter in court.
The AP’s lawsuit highlights its historical role in the White House press pool and the critical nature of its reporting on presidential activities. The White House Correspondents Association and Fox News have expressed support for the AP’s position, emphasizing the importance of press freedom. Even Newsmax, a conservative network, issued a statement supporting the AP’s right to independent reporting.
The Trump administration’s actions align with broader measures to scrutinize media access and subscriptions across federal agencies. These include evictions of major news organizations from Pentagon workstations and investigations into the television networks by the Federal Communications Commission, excluding Fox.
Deputy White House Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich criticized the AP’s stance on the Gulf, alleging it reflects a dedication to misinformation. He asserted that while the First Amendment protects the AP’s speech, it does not guarantee unlimited access to restricted areas.
President Trump recently reiterated his dissatisfaction with the AP, accusing it of unfair coverage related to him and his administration. The AP remains excluded from certain presidential events, amid ongoing litigation arguing that such bans infringe on journalists’ First Amendment liberties under due process regulations. The White House has not commented on the lawsuit.
