Judge Orders White House to Restore AP Access, Citing First Amendment

A federal judge ordered the White House to restore The Associated Press' access to presidential events, ruling the government can't punish the news organization for its reporting, citing the First Amendment. The ruling stems from the AP's refusal to rename the Gulf of Mexico as per the president's order.

The judge stated that if the government allows some journalists access, it can't exclude others due to their viewpoints. The AP had been blocked from covering the president in certain settings.

The AP welcomed the decision, emphasizing the right to free speech. The lawsuit named White House officials. The ruling comes amid the administration's actions against the media.

The AP argued the administration violated its free speech rights. The judge clarified the ruling doesn't guarantee permanent access but prevents worse treatment than other outlets. The judge also noted the decision doesn't restrict government officials' interview choices.

The judge emphasized the White House can't ban outlets for not using the president's preferred language. The president had stated the reason for the action.

The AP's stylebook influences journalists worldwide. The AP will continue to use "Gulf of Mexico." The AP's executive editor stated the lawsuit is about government control of speech. The president has criticized the AP.

The AP testified about delays caused by its exclusion. The government argued the AP could still access information. The judge stated the government was "brazen" in its actions, which violate the Constitution.