The Associated Press filed a lawsuit on Friday against the Trump administration, challenging the banishment of its reporters from the White House after refusing to adopt the administration’s newly designated name, “Gulf of America,” instead of the traditional “Gulf of Mexico.”
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., accuses the administration of attempting to control speech in violation of the First Amendment.
According to the Associated Press, the lawsuit argues that the government’s actions constitute unconstitutional retaliation against journalists who choose not to use language mandated by officials.
The complaint states, “The press and all people in the United States have the right to choose their own words and not be retaliated against by the government.”
The lawsuit specifically names White House Chief of Staff Susan Wiles, Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich, and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt as defendants.
The AP contends that these officials played a direct role in restricting access to White House press briefings and official events in response to the organization’s refusal to adopt the new terminology.
“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 lawsuit states. “This court should remedy it immediately.”
The controversy began earlier this month when the Trump administration issued an official directive instructing federal agencies and government communications to replace “Gulf of Mexico” with “Gulf of America.”
The decision was framed as part of a broader effort to “restore American identity and sovereignty,” according to a memo released by the White House.
The administration argued that the change was necessary to reflect U.S. dominance over the region and reaffirm the nation’s “historical and strategic ties” to the waters bordering its southern coast.
News organizations, including the Associated Press, Reuters, and The New York Times, declined to adopt the new terminology, citing journalistic standards and factual accuracy.
In response, White House officials allegedly revoked AP reporters’ credentials and denied them access to press briefings and presidential events.
First Amendment experts have weighed in, warning that the administration’s actions set a dangerous precedent. “Forcing journalists to use government-approved language under threat of punishment is a clear violation of press freedom,” said David Snyder, director of the First Amendment Coalition. “It’s an attempt to control the narrative and suppress independent journalism.”
The White House has defended its stance, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that media outlets are free to report as they choose but should not expect privileged access if they refuse to acknowledge what the administration considers “accurate and patriotic language.”
The AP’s lawsuit seeks an immediate reversal of the restrictions placed on its reporters, a formal declaration that the government’s actions violated the First Amendment, and assurances that no further retaliatory measures will be taken against journalists for their editorial decisions.