Washington, D.C. – The Associated Press (AP) has filed a lawsuit against three senior Trump administration officials, alleging violations of the First Amendment after the White House barred its journalists from key events. The dispute centers on AP’s refusal to adopt President Donald Trump’s executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.”
The lawsuit, lodged in a federal court in Washington, D.C., claims the restrictions are unconstitutional and represent an attempt by the government to control the language used by the press. The case names Susan Wiles (White House Chief of Staff), Taylor Budowich (Deputy Chief of Staff), and Karoline Leavitt (White House Press Secretary) as defendants.
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Background of the Lawsuit
AP’s exclusion from White House press briefings, Mar-a-Lago events, and coverage aboard Air Force One began roughly 10 days before the lawsuit was filed. The action was prompted by AP’s editorial decision to continue using “Gulf of Mexico” rather than the new presidential terminology.
In the lawsuit, AP’s legal team asserts:
“This targeted attack on the AP’s editorial independence and ability to gather and report the news strikes at the very core of the First Amendment.”
The news agency emphasizes that retaliating against a media outlet for its editorial choices undermines press freedom and sets a dangerous precedent.
Trump Administration’s Position
President Trump has been clear in defending the exclusion. Speaking to reporters, he stated:
“We’re going to keep them out until such time as they agree that it’s the Gulf of America.”
The administration insists the AP Stylebook—used widely by journalists and educators—should reflect the president’s renaming order for U.S. audiences. Chief of Staff Susan Wiles argued that the Stylebook had been “weaponized” to push partisan narratives. Budowich also accused AP of bias in its coverage of racial terminology, gender-related issues, and immigration.
Media Industry Reaction
The ban has triggered widespread concern among journalists and media organizations. Around 40 outlets, ranging from conservative-leaning Fox News and Newsmax to mainstream giants like The New York Times and The Washington Post, signed a joint letter urging the White House to reverse its decision.
Newsmax, typically supportive of Trump, cautioned that the move could backfire:
“We fear a future administration may not like something Newsmax writes and seek to ban us.”
While Fox News adopted the “Gulf of America” term, The New York Times and The Washington Post have refused, continuing to use “Gulf of Mexico” in their reporting.
Trump’s Criticism of AP
In a Fox News interview, Trump called the AP “radical left lunatics” and a “third-rate outfit with a first-rate name.” He claimed that “just about everybody” had accepted the renaming, accusing AP of being “cute” and deliberately provocative.
Interestingly, Google Maps’ U.S. version has already updated its labeling to “Gulf of America,” intensifying the debate over whether news outlets should follow suit.
Legal and Constitutional Stakes
The AP’s lawsuit rests on the First Amendment, which prohibits government interference with the press. The core question is whether the White House can condition press access on editorial compliance.
AP’s court filing states:
“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.”
Legal scholars suggest the case could have lasting implications for how administrations interact with media outlets—especially when editorial decisions conflict with political messaging.
Impact on AP’s Reporting Operations
Although AP journalists remain allowed on White House grounds, they have been barred from the White House press pool, a longstanding group that provides coverage from restricted spaces and shares reports with other news organizations. AP’s membership in this pool spans over a century, making its exclusion unprecedented.
Julie Pace, AP’s senior vice president and executive editor, traveled to Florida to negotiate with White House officials, but the talks yielded no results.
The AP Stylebook Dispute
Central to the controversy is the AP Stylebook, a respected guide shaping word usage for journalists worldwide. The White House demands that the Stylebook reflect the “Gulf of America” terminology, arguing that American audiences should follow the president’s language.
AP has refused, maintaining that while Trump’s executive order should be noted in coverage, “Gulf of Mexico” remains the internationally recognized name for the body of water.
The agency notes that it did comply with Trump’s earlier order to restore the name “Mount McKinley” for Denali, citing that the mountain lies entirely within U.S. territory. However, AP argues the Gulf of Mexico involves multiple countries, making unilateral renaming inappropriate.
Broader Implications for Press Freedom
This case is not merely about naming a geographic location—it’s about whether the government can pressure journalists into using politically approved language. Media watchdog groups warn that if the AP loses, future administrations may feel emboldened to impose their own editorial mandates.
Experts note that the exclusion tactic—while not outright censorship—still limits the public’s access to independent reporting from key government spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why did the Associated Press sue the Trump administration?
AP alleges that the White House violated the First Amendment by barring its journalists from events in retaliation for not adopting the term “Gulf of America” instead of “Gulf of Mexico.”
Who are the Trump officials named in the lawsuit?
The lawsuit names Susan Wiles (White House Chief of Staff), Taylor Budowich (Deputy Chief of Staff), and Karoline Leavitt (Press Secretary).
What events were AP reporters banned from?
The ban covers White House press briefings, events at Mar-a-Lago, and travel coverage on Air Force One.
What is the significance of the “Gulf of America” dispute?
President Trump issued an executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America,” and demanded media outlets follow suit. AP refused, citing international recognition of the original name.
How have other news organizations responded?
About 40 outlets—including Fox News, Newsmax, The New York Times, and The Washington Post—signed a letter urging the administration to restore AP’s access.
Has AP faced such restrictions before?
No. AP has been part of the White House press pool for over a century, making this exclusion unprecedented.
What constitutional issue does the lawsuit raise?
The case focuses on whether the government can limit press access as retaliation for editorial choices, potentially setting a precedent for future administrations.
Conclusion
AP’s lawsuit against Trump administration officials underscores an ongoing struggle between government authority and press freedom in the United States. The case revolves around allegations that the White House excluded AP journalists from key events as retaliation for refusing to adopt politically motivated terminology—an action the AP argued violated its First Amendment rights.
