Trump’s court battle with the Associated Press. Credit: Noam Garai, Shutterstock
On Friday, June 6, the federal court of appeals handed Donald Trump a legal victory in the fight against the Associated Press, with the White House finding that the Associated Press could legally prohibit access to presidential spaces like the oval office, Mar-a-Lago and the Air Force..
Why is AP banned? Because there is a disagreement about how to name a body of water. The AP reportedly refused to change the name of the “American Gulf” in the Gulf of Mexico, as ordered by Trump. Wire Agency has admitted to Trump’s preferences but sticking to internationally recognized names, continuing to use the standard style book.
In response, Trump’s team revoked the Associated Press Pool access in February. This is an important role that allows reporters to choose to represent the wider press squadron in high security and tight spaces.
Yesterday, Trump said, “Today’s big victory over the Associated Press. They refused to tell the facts and truth about the Gulf of America. Fake News!!!”
The court supports Trump’s power over Associated Press Access
The U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington ruled 2–1 in favor of Trump, allowing him to stay in a previous lower court ruling that required the White House to restore access to the Associated Press.
Judges Gregory Cassas and Neomi Rao agreed that both Trump’s appointees in their first term – have broad discretion in choosing which journalists are allowed to enter a restricted government space.
The ruling reinforces the idea that spaces like oval offices are not protected by the same free speech standards, as they are not public forums like parks or pavement.
However, Judge Cornelia Pillard, appointed by Barack Obama, warned of the risks of serious press freedom. She calls it “point discrimination,” and claims that free expression can be cooled across the media landscape, except for important outlets.
Trump vs. Media: Long-term feud
This is far from Trump’s first clash with the media – he has filed a complaint before. ABC News I got used to it with CNN Reporter. While the AP has covered the president for about two centuries, the Trump White House has shifted access to conservative media and pro-Trump’s lucrative media.
Press Secretary Caroline Leavit celebrated the latest ruling to post on X.
“Winning! Media access is growing beyond failed legacy media. And @AP, it’s still the US Gulf.”
Meanwhile, the AP said it has considered legal options and said it is “disappointed by the court’s decision.”
Is the oval office open to the public or private?
The court’s ruling rekindled the fierce debate over freedom of speech. Some people worry that if the president can choose who will cover them, they will set a dangerous precedent for only biased media to survive. Others argue that no journalists have a guaranteed right to a presidential briefing, especially if their work “weaks” the administration.
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