Associated Press Sues Trump Officials Over Access Ban Following "Gulf of Mexico" Naming Dispute, Alleging First Amendment Violation

The Associated Press (AP) has filed a lawsuit against three Trump administration officials, including White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich, and White House Chief of Staff Susan Wiles, after being restricted from covering the Oval Office, Air Force One, and other presidential events. The AP alleges the ban violates the First and Fifth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. The lawsuit stems from the AP's refusal to adopt the term "Gulf of America," preferring to continue using "Gulf of Mexico" for clarity and global recognition.

The AP argues that the White House is attempting to control speech by dictating which terms the news outlet must use. The complaint emphasizes that the First Amendment protects journalists' access to the White House and prevents denial of access based on content. The AP states it is taking this action on behalf of all independent global media organizations and people who have the freedom of speech.