A federal judge has ruled against the Associated Press (AP) in its lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s decision to revoke the outlet’s access to certain White House events. The ruling is a significant blow to the mainstream media giant, which has accused the administration of violating press freedom and First Amendment rights.
On Monday, U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden denied the AP’s emergency request for a temporary restraining order that would have allowed its reporters to regain access while the case proceeds. The judge ruled that AP failed to prove it would suffer irreparable harm, a necessary requirement for such a legal remedy.
“The AP has not demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits,” Judge McFadden stated. He also noted that the news organization waited a full week to file its lawsuit, undermining its claim of an urgent crisis.
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White House Defends Decision
The Trump White House welcomed the ruling, reaffirming that access to exclusive Oval Office briefings and Air Force One events is a privilege, not a constitutional right.
“From day one, this administration has prioritized transparency while holding the media accountable for spreading misinformation,” a White House spokesperson said in a statement. “We will continue to ensure access is granted to responsible journalists who report the truth, not to those who push false narratives.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the administration’s stance in an interview with Fox News after the ruling.
“The judge’s ruling reinforces what President Trump has said all along,” Leavitt stated. “Being part of the White House press pool is a privilege, not an entitlement. We want diverse voices in that room—including independent journalists, podcasters, and non-traditional media—who are committed to fair reporting.”
AP Faces Backlash for Coverage Choices
Beyond the legal battle, the AP has also come under fire for its refusal to acknowledge recent U.S. government policy changes, particularly regarding geopolitical terminology. The outlet’s editorial stance has drawn sharp criticism from administration officials and conservative media.
Ed Martin, the acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, took to X (formerly Twitter) to call out the AP’s unwillingness to adapt.
“As President Trump’s legal team, we remain committed to defending his leadership and standing against media entities that refuse to put America first,” Martin wrote. His post sparked outrage among left-wing commentators, many of whom had previously defended former President Joe Biden’s use of the Justice Department against political opponents.
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Trump Stands Firm on Press Accountability
During a recent press conference, President Trump directly addressed the controversy, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to press integrity.
“The Associated Press is welcome to report the news fairly, but they must adhere to the facts,” Trump declared. “Until they can commit to truthful coverage, they will remain excluded from privileged access.”
With the legal case still pending, the AP’s battle for restored White House access is far from over. However, this latest court decision signals a tough road ahead for the outlet as the Trump administration continues to challenge mainstream media narratives.
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