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A federal judge on Tuesday sided with the Associated Press in its legal battle with the Trump White House, ruling that the administration violated the First Amendment when it restricted the AP’s access to press events over the news organization’s refusal to adopt President Trump’s preferred terminology for the Gulf of Mexico.
U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden, a Trump appointee, issued a 41-page opinion granting a preliminary injunction that forces the White House to reinstate AP’s access to areas including the Oval Office, Air Force One, and other official venues when they are open to members of the press pool.
The dispute stems from a controversial executive order signed by President Trump on his first day in office, which renamed the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America.” The AP, citing longstanding geographic conventions and editorial independence, refused to adopt the new name. In response, the White House allegedly began denying the AP access to presidential events, including high-profile briefings and foreign trips.
The AP sued the Trump Administration.
Judge McFadden made clear in his ruling that while the administration retains discretion over how it grants media access, it cannot discriminate based on viewpoint.
“The Court simply holds that under the First Amendment, if the Government opens its doors to some journalists—be it to the Oval Office, the East Room, or elsewhere—it cannot then shut those doors to other journalists because of their viewpoints,” McFadden wrote. “The Constitution requires no less.”
The judge emphasized that his injunction does not force the government to open private spaces to all journalists, nor does it interfere with officials’ rights to choose interview participants or express personal views. Instead, the ruling bars the government from selectively excluding members of the press based on editorial decisions or protected speech.
Legal analysts say the ruling marks a significant moment for press freedom in the Trump era, as the administration has repeatedly clashed with media outlets over coverage and access.
In a statement, the Associated Press praised the ruling as a victory for journalistic independence.
“This is an important affirmation of the First Amendment and the role of a free press in a democratic society,” the AP said. “We will continue to report accurately and independently, including using proper geographic terminology.”
A spokesperson for the White House Press Office declined to comment on whether the administration would comply with the ruling or appeal.
The case adds to the broader tension between President Trump and the media, which has intensified over his administration’s efforts to reshape public discourse and redefine terms—including geopolitical names—for ideological or symbolic purposes.
While the ruling only grants temporary relief, it strongly signals that future attempts to exclude media outlets based on viewpoint may not survive constitutional scrutiny.
McFadden’s decision also reaffirms the principle that viewpoint discrimination—even under the guise of administrative discretion—violates the First Amendment, especially when the government allows selective access to journalists.
The court is expected to consider permanent relief at a later stage.
