A US court ordered the White House to lift restrictions imposed on the Associated Press (AP) following the news agency’s refusal to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America”. District judge Trevor N. McFadden ruled that the Trump administration was not authorized to retaliate against AP’s decision not to follow the president’s executive order. The judge stated that the government cannot shut its doors to journalists based on their viewpoints, as this would contradict the Constitution. AP had been blocked from covering certain events, such as Trump in the Oval Office or aboard Air Force One, although they were occasionally allowed to cover him in the East Room. AP’s spokeswoman expressed gratitude for the court’s decision, emphasizing the fundamental right to speak freely without government retaliation. The White House did not respond to AP’s request for comment, and it is unclear if they will appeal the decision. The final ruling is expected in the coming months. The judge clarified that the court is not demanding permanent access for AP but that it cannot be treated worse than its counterparts. AP’s decision not to follow Trump’s executive order has implications in journalism due to the influential stylebook followed by many English-speaking news organizations. Trump called AP “radical left lunatics” and threatened to bar them from covering the White House until the decision changes. The news outlet’s decision sparked controversy over press freedom in the US under Donald Trump.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/us-judge-orders-white-house-to-lift-ap-restrictions/a-72179983?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf