Judge Orders Full Restoration of AP's White House Access

A federal judge has ordered the White House to restore full access to the Associated Press (AP) for covering presidential events, following a retaliatory ban due to the AP's refusal to use 'Gulf of America' instead of 'Gulf of Mexico' as mandated by President Trump. U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden, a Trump appointee, ruled this action violated the First Amendment, emphasizing that the government cannot discriminate against journalists based on their viewpoints. Despite the ruling, the White House has a week to appeal, and AP representatives were still turned away from a motorcade shortly after the decision. The ruling is a significant victory for press freedom, reaffirming the constitutional right to free speech and press access. AP has maintained its stance on using internationally recognized terminology, insisting it aligns with global editorial standards.