Federal Judge Orders AP News Agency Reinstated at White House

A federal judge in the United States has ruled in favor of the Associated Press (AP) in a dispute with former President Donald Trump's administration. The judge instructed the White House to restore access for AP reporters to the President's events, following an exclusion that had been in place for nearly two months.

The White House's decision to bar AP stemmed from the agency's refusal to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the 'Gulf of America,' as mandated by Trump. The administration has until April 13 to file an appeal against the ruling.

In his decision, Judge Trevor McFadden stated that the exclusion of AP from White House events and presidential travel violated the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and of the press. He emphasized that when the government opens its doors to certain journalists, it cannot selectively exclude others based on their viewpoints.

AP had filed a lawsuit against the White House after its reporters and photographers were barred from access on February 11. The judge acknowledged that the agency suffered harm due to the blockage, stating that it adversely affected AP's business model. This restriction hindered the agency's ability to promptly deliver photographs and breaking news updates.

A spokesperson for AP welcomed the ruling, highlighting its affirmation of press freedom and the public's right to information without fear of government retaliation.

The conflict regarding the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico began shortly after Trump's inauguration when he signed an executive order proposing the change. This new designation has been reflected on platforms such as Google Maps within the United States, while AP maintains that 'Gulf of Mexico' has been the established name for over 400 years.

As the largest news agency in the United States, the Associated Press has long been recognized for its authoritative style guide, which is widely used by newsrooms and corporate offices across the country.