AP Argues Its Lawsuit Against Administration Officials Is Based on an Unconstitutional Attempt by the White House to Control Speech
The Associated Press (AP) has filed a lawsuit against three Trump administration officials, claiming that their actions violate freedom of speech by restricting access to White House events.
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., argues that the White House is unconstitutionally attempting to control the language used by journalists, particularly regarding the recent executive order that renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.”
White House Restricts AP’s Access Over Editorial Decision
The AP’s lawsuit was filed after the White House began restricting its access to presidential events, citing the agency’s refusal to adopt President Trump’s name change for the Gulf. “We’re going to keep them out until such time as they agree that it’s the Gulf of America,” Trump said, directly linking the restriction to the AP’s editorial stance.
Despite the restrictions, AP journalists have continued to report from White House grounds but have been excluded from the smaller, more exclusive “pool” of journalists that cover events in more intimate settings.
The AP Defends Editorial Independence
The lawsuit emphasizes that the White House’s actions are a direct attack on the AP’s editorial independence and its right to report without government interference. “The press and all people in the United States have the right to choose their own words and not be retaliated against by the government,” the AP said in its legal filing.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration’s position, asserting the White House’s commitment to “truth and accuracy” while acknowledging the lawsuit in a statement.
The AP Stylebook Dispute
At the heart of the conflict is the AP Stylebook, a widely used guide for journalists. The Trump administration had hoped the AP would adopt the new Gulf name in its Stylebook, but the agency refused to do so, continuing to use “Gulf of Mexico” while also noting the president’s change. White House officials, including Chief of Staff Susan Wiles, expressed concern that the AP’s decision would influence public perception and misrepresent the government’s stance.
Other Media Outlets Show Support for AP
The AP’s lawsuit has sparked wider debate about press freedom, with around 40 news organizations—including conservative outlets like Fox News and Newsmax—signing a letter in support of the AP’s right to editorial independence. They expressed concerns about potential future government overreach, where one administration could punish a media outlet for its coverage.
Trump’s Criticism of the AP
President Trump has repeatedly criticized the AP, calling it “radical left lunatics” and accusing the agency of being “third-rate” despite its longstanding reputation. He also pointed out that other news organizations, like Fox News, had accepted the name change to “Gulf of America,” while the AP held firm.
The lawsuit highlights the AP’s belief that the administration’s actions undermine the First Amendment’s protection of a free press.
