A U.S. appeals court will hear arguments on Monday in a significant press-freedom dispute between the Associated Press and the Trump administration. The case stems from the administration’s decision to restrict AP reporters’ access to presidential events after the news agency declined to use President Donald Trump’s preferred term “Gulf of America” instead of the long-established “Gulf of Mexico.”
In April, U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden ruled that the White House’s actions likely amounted to unlawful retaliation and ordered immediate restoration of AP access to Oval Office and other presidential events. The D.C. Circuit later paused that injunction while it reviews the administration’s appeal, creating a temporary setback for the AP.
The AP sued three senior White House officials earlier this year, alleging violations of free speech and due process protections. The Trump administration argues that news organisations have no inherent right to special access to non-public White House areas. In April, the administration also removed major wire services, including Reuters and the AP, from the permanent press pool, allowing only sporadic participation.
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