In a significant setback for journalism, a federal judge on Monday denied the Associated Press’s request to immediately regain full access to the White House. This decision comes after President Donald Trump’s administration barred AP journalists from referencing the Gulf of Mexico in their coverage.
The ruling was delivered by U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden, a Trump appointee, who refused the AP’s plea for a temporary injunction. This injunction sought to restore the agency’s access to critical areas such as the Oval Office, Air Force One, and White House-hosted events.
The Associated Press has been striving to maintain comprehensive coverage of presidential activities, and this denial limits their ability to provide detailed reportage on White House affairs. The restriction on mentioning the Gulf of Mexico further hampers the agency's efforts to deliver thorough and accurate news to the public.
This legal decision underscores the ongoing tensions between the administration and media organizations striving for transparency and unrestricted reporting. The AP has yet to comment on the judge’s decision, while observers anticipate potential appeals to challenge the restrictions imposed on media access.
Reference(s):
U.S. judge rejects AP request for full access to White House
cgtn.com
