Judge orders the White House to return to access to Associated Press again
An American judge ordered the White House to restore full access by the Associated Press (AP) to the events of the US President. The decision is based on the restriction imposed by Donald Trump, following the news agency written « Gulf of Mexico » instead of « Gulf of America » as decreed.
Since February 11, AP journalists and photographers have been prohibited from accessing the Oval Room and traveling at Air Force One.
A district judge stated that “non -access to AP based on views” violates the first amendment of the United States Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and the press. « If the government opens its doors to some journalists-whether the oval room, the east room or other spaces-then you can’t close them to other journalists because of their views, » Trevor MacFadden said.
The judge ordered the White House to « immediately terminate the non -access of the AP to the Oval Room, Air Force One and other restricted spaces … When these spaces are open to other members of the White House press group. »
The agency’s style book states that the Gulf of Mexico has been called “over 400 years” and AP states that “it will continue to refer (to the Gulf) by the original name while recognizing the new name chosen by Trump,” adds the news agency.
In an editorial note, AP explained that the decree that changes the name of the Gulf has authority only in the US, as Mexico, other countries and international organizations have not recognized it.
Founded in 1846 by New York newspapers, AP offers articles, photos and videos to numerous media, both Americans and foreigners.
