Jul 22, 06:15 PM

DC Circuit Lets Trump Maintain Ban on AP Oval Office Access

The full U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on Tuesday declined to revisit a June 6 ruling that permits the White House to bar Associated Press journalists from events in the Oval Office, aboard Air Force One and in other restricted areas. The order leaves intact access limits the administration imposed after the wire service refused to adopt President Donald Trump’s preferred term, “Gulf of America,” in place of the long-standing “Gulf of Mexico.” In February the AP sued, arguing the restrictions violate the First Amendment by retaliating against the news outlet’s editorial judgment. U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden initially sided with the AP, finding viewpoint discrimination, but a divided appellate panel paused that injunction. Tuesday’s en banc denial—issued without comment—keeps the panel’s 2-1 decision in force; Judges Neomi Rao and Gregory Katsas formed the majority, while Judge Cornelia Pillard dissented. The news agency said it is “disappointed” and will continue to press the case, potentially petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court. The administration maintains the president has broad discretion over White House press credentials. A final ruling could shape the boundaries of executive control over media access and test long-standing free-speech protections for news organizations that cover the presidency.

#White House #Associated Press #Oval Office #Air Force One #Donald Trump #Gulf of America #Gulf of Mexico #AP #First Amendment #Trevor McFadden #Neomi Rao #Gregory Katsas #Cornelia Pillard

Written with ChatGPT .

DC Circuit Lets Trump Maintain Ban on AP Oval Office Access

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