A federal judge's involvement brings new tensions between the White House press corps and President Trump's administration over media access restrictions.
According to The Hill, U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden declined to further enforce his previous order requiring the White House to restore The Associated Press's access to certain spaces, while warning of serious consequences if the news agency receives discriminatory treatment.
The legal battle stems from the White House's decision to ban AP journalists from accessing the Oval Office, Air Force One, and other restricted areas. This unprecedented move came after the news organization refused to adopt Trump's renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to "Gulf of America" in its stylebook, leading to a lawsuit against three senior White House officials.
The White House responded to McFadden's preliminary injunction by introducing a new policy that eliminates permanent wire service positions. Instead, wire services must now compete for spots in the daily print journalist rotation, a move that has significantly impacted AP's coverage capabilities.
AP's legal representative Charles Tobin expressed strong opposition to the policy change. He argued that the new system deliberately diminishes the organization's ability to cover presidential activities effectively.
Department of Justice lawyer Jane Lyons defended the White House's position, requesting more time to evaluate the new system's implementation. She emphasized that the policy had only been in effect for three days when the hearing took place.
Judge McFadden, a Trump appointee, maintained a balanced approach during the proceedings. While expressing concern about AP's limited access during the week, he showed reluctance to micromanage White House press operations.
The Department of Justice argued for presumption of good faith from the high-ranking officials named in the lawsuit: press secretary Karoline Leavitt, chief of staff Susie Wiles, and deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich.
AP's legal team presented evidence of continued exclusion, noting that while their photographers regained pool access on Thursday and Friday, print reporters remained largely sidelined. The organization's first print pool assignment was scheduled for Saturday during Trump's golf outing.
The case has reached the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, where three judges are considering whether to suspend McFadden's order during the appeals process. The panel appeared divided on the issue of AP's access rights.
A significant aspect of the dispute centers on the White House's authority to regulate press access versus media organizations' rights to cover the presidency. This tension has created unprecedented challenges for both sides.
The Associated Press filed a lawsuit against top White House officials after being banned from key coverage areas due to their refusal to adopt President Trump's "Gulf of America" terminology in their stylebook. The dispute has evolved into a complex legal battle over press access rights and White House authority to regulate media presence.
While Judge Trevor McFadden has shown restraint in enforcing his initial order, he emphasized that discriminatory treatment of AP would result in serious consequences. The case continues in the appeals court, where a ruling could significantly impact future White House press corps operations and media access protocols.
