A federal judge in Washington, DC, on Tuesday directed the White House to end its restrictions against Associated Press (AP), restoring the news agency’s access to president Donald Trump’s official events.
The ban, which started on February 11, prevented AP journalists and photographers from entering the Oval Office and travelling on Air Force One. The action came after AP continued to use the name “Gulf of Mexico” instead of “Gulf of America,” a term introduced by Trump through an executive order earlier this year. Trump had also declared February 9 as the first “Gulf of America Day.”

Judge Trevor McFadden said that the government could not deny access to some journalists based on their viewpoints. “If the government opens its doors to some journalists… it cannot shut those doors to others because of their viewpoints,” he said in his order.
Associated Press had filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, claiming the restrictions violated the first amendment (freedom of the press) and the fifth amendment (due process). The lawsuit named three White House officials—Chief of staff Susie Wiles, press secretary Karoline Leavitt, and deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich.
AP had issued a statement saying it would continue referring to the body of water as the “Gulf of Mexico” in line with its global editorial standards, while noting the White House’s preferred terminology. The agency said the name “Gulf of Mexico” is internationally recognised and important for clarity.