A full US Court of Appeals keeps in place a June 6 decision that let Trump bar the AP from the Oval Office; a Supreme Court appeal is possible (@mikescarcella / Reuters) https://t.co/93FCyalbZq https://t.co/rDHHgGHpqs
DC Circuit Declines En Banc Review of White House's Restrictions on Associated Press https://t.co/SZI4Z84qUb https://t.co/vw0zx1TPv2
US appeals court will not lift limits on Associated Press access to White House https://t.co/cGAF1nPvUG
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.