Look at what the mainstream media is saying now.
The Associated Press (AP) has taken legal action against top Trump administration officials after being excluded from the White House press pool. The lawsuit, filed on Friday, stems from the AP’s refusal to update its style guide to reflect President Trump’s renaming of the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.” For this refusal, the AP was barred from covering key presidential events, including Air Force One flights and Oval Office appearances, for a period of 10 days. In the lawsuit, the AP claims that the actions taken against them violate their First Amendment rights and due process protections.
According to the AP, the government cannot retaliate against a news outlet for its editorial decisions, asserting that the press and the American people have the constitutional right to speak freely without fear of punishment. The lawsuit argues that the AP was not given a fair chance to challenge the exclusion before it was enforced, which could set the stage for a court-ordered return of their access.
While the outcome of the First Amendment argument is uncertain, legal precedence suggests that challenges based on due process can result in the restoration of press access. During the Trump administration’s first term, court orders quickly returned press credentials to journalists who were previously denied access due to contentious behavior at press conferences. However, access to the press pool is not automatically granted; it is traditionally controlled by the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) and the administration.
The AP, as a wire service alongside Reuters and Bloomberg, has historically enjoyed privileged access compared to most other news outlets. These services are afforded seats on Air Force One and guaranteed presence at all press events with the president, unlike other outlets that have more limited opportunities.
The AP’s lawsuit has caught the attention of other media organizations, as it raises concerns about the potential chilling effect on press freedom. The exclusion of the AP also drew attention from other conservative-leaning outlets, such as Fox News and Newsmax, who have voiced their support for the AP. The situation mirrors past incidents where other administrations have taken similar steps to limit access to specific outlets. Under the Obama administration, Fox News faced similar challenges, and the Biden administration, too, restricted access for certain news outlets, including The Washington Post, for an extended period.
While this legal battle plays out, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing tensions between the press and government officials. There is growing concern that such actions could set a dangerous precedent, potentially undermining the ability of journalists to hold government accountable, especially if such restrictions become a common practice in future administrations. The fight over press access is not just about one outlet but about ensuring the freedom of the press for all Americans, a principle that should remain protected regardless of political affiliation.