The Associated Press sues three Donald Trump administration officials over barred access to presidential events

 

US President Donald Trump sits in the Oval Office of the White House, as he signs executive orders, in Washington, US, January 23, 2025. (Photo by Reuters)

The Associated Press (AP) has sued three Trump administration officials over access to presidential events after the news agency refused to use the term “Gulf of America”

The lawsuit, filed on Friday against Trump’s administration, challenges an unconstitutional effort by the White House to control freedom of speech by mandating the news agency to change its style from the “Gulf of Mexico” to the “Gulf of America.”

“This targeted attack on the AP’s editorial independence and ability to gather and report the news strikes at the very core of the First Amendment,” the news agency said. “This court should remedy it immediately.”

The Constitution’s First Amendment guarantees freedom of the press, speech, and religion, barring the government from obstructions.

Donald Trump signed an executive order in January to change the name of the body of water to the “Gulf of America.” However, the news outlet has insisted that it will continue using the gulf’s established name, citing editorial standards.

Earlier this week, about 40 news organizations, including Reuters, signed onto a letter organized by the White House Correspondents Association, urging the White House to reverse its policy against the AP.

"Reuters stands with the Associated Press and other media organizations in objecting to coverage restrictions imposed by the White House on the AP because of the AP's independent editorial decisions," Reuters said on Saturday.