Judge sides with AP over White House ban for press coverage
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An Associated Press microphone. Photo: Chan Long Hei/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
A federal judge on Tuesday sided with the Associated Press in its lawsuit against the White House, declaring that under the First Amendment the government can't bar journalists from certain government events because of their viewpoints.
Why it matters: It's a huge victory for both the AP and the free press.
- The AP's case served as a litmus test for how far the Trump administration could push the bounds of the First Amendment in its efforts to control its press coverage.
Zoom in: The judge granted the AP's request for an injunction to force the White House to reinstate the AP at Oval Office and Air Force One press events.
- "[T]he Court simply holds that under the First Amendment, if the Government opens its doors to some journalists—be it to the Oval Office, the East Room, or elsewhere—it cannot then shut those doors to other journalists because of their viewpoints. The Constitution requires no less," U.S. District Court Judge Trevor N. McFadden wrote in his opinion.
What they're saying: "We are gratified by the court's decision. Today's ruling affirms the fundamental right of the press and public to speak freely without government retaliation. This is a freedom guaranteed for all Americans in the U.S. Constitution," AP spokesperson Lauren Easton said in a statement.
- "We look forward to continuing to provide factual, nonpartisan and independent coverage of the White House for billions of people around the world."
Catch up quick: The AP sued three Trump administration officials in late February for blocking its reporters from events like Oval Office meetings and Air Force One press pools, citing a violation of its First Amendment rights.
- A judge rejected the Associated Press' emergency motion to rescind the White House ban a few days later as he sought more details on the circumstances surrounding the case.
The big picture: The Trump administration has sought to take more control over press coverage. In February, the Defense Department informed several outlets, including NPR, NBC News, Politico and CNN, that their workspaces would be replaced by mostly conservative outlets such as Washington Examiner, Daily Caller and Newsmax.
- Axios recently reported that the White House is eyeing ways to possibly take over the White House briefing room seating chart, which has historically been governed by the White House Correspondents' Association.
Reality check: Some precedent was already set around these types of issues. During Trump's first administration, efforts to block reporters were found to be unconstitutional.
Go deeper: Trump's historic war on traditional media
Editor's note: This story has been updated with a statement from AP.
