Staff Reports
A federal judge recently threw a wrench into the Associated Press’s hopes of regaining its much-coveted access to presidential events, marking yet another win for the Trump administration in its ongoing tussle with mainstream media. Judge Trevor McFadden, showcasing a refreshing grasp on legal realities, rejected the AP’s demands for special treatment and instead set the stage for a drawn-out legal showdown. The AP will have to settle for its press passes, meaning it won’t be left completely in the dark, just not invited to the “cool kids’ table” in the Oval Office or on Air Force One.
The White House basked in its legal victory, making it clear that journalists should not mistake their press access for a constitutional entitlement. Instead of chanting “freedom of the press,” the administration is issuing reminders that coverage spots are a privilege, not a right. Common sense has prevailed in a world where some journalists seem to think they deserve VIP access without earning it, a sentiment that leads to more eye rolls than applause.
.@PressSec to host a briefing in one hour.
Yesterday, a judge upheld the Trump administration’s decision to revoke AP from the briefing room due to its refusal to acknowledge the “Gulf of America.” pic.twitter.com/k743m2HlsC
— Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell (@TheElizMitchell) February 25, 2025
The AP’s tantrum stems from an earlier dispute involving a name change from “Gulf of Mexico” to the more America-centric “Gulf of America.” Trump evidently was not about to let that slide lightly, showing that when it comes to messaging, the president will defend the narrative he believes best represents American interests. The AP claims to be suffering from serious First Amendment violations, but their cries echo more like the whining of a child who didn’t get dessert after not finishing dinner.
In a boost for sanity, the judge found that the AP simply did not provide sufficient justification for its demands. Mr. Hudak from the Justice Department laid it out plainly: just because the AP historically enjoyed special access does not mean they have an inherent right to continue monopolizing it. In sharp contrast, most journalists don’t have the luxury of running behind the scenes; they rely on pool reports and the kindness of their peers to keep their news narratives afloat.
And speaking of pools, it’s worth noting how many press slots actually exist on Air Force One—13 in total. The AP and its fellow travelers seem to have forgotten they are not the only fish in this vast ocean. With limited space allocated for each outlet, it’s simply not feasible for all to enjoy exclusive privileges. The trend continues to show that the world does not revolve around any one news agency, especially one that seems to prioritize its preferences over the facts.
In a last-ditch effort at justification, the White House Correspondents’ Association weighed in, asserting its own authority over defining who gets in the press pool. Clearly, this battle isn’t just about access; it’s a struggle of wills between a government trying to impose its narrative and a media group that refuses to eat its vegetables. The ongoing saga serves as a humorous reminder that when it comes to the press and the White House, the real question isn’t just about the right to report, but who gets to call the shots when it comes to the kind of access to the President we’re really talking about.
