Story perspectives

Appeals Court Weighs Trump's Power Over Press Access

11/25/2025

Summary

Story summary

A federal appeals court is leaning toward upholding U.S. President Donald Trump’s authority to exclude The Associated Press from White House spaces because the AP refused to adopt his Gulf of Mexico terminology.
During the hearings, judges questioned the implications of viewpoint discrimination in presidential access.
The Trump administration argues it retains discretion over which journalists can enter.
An AP spokesperson emphasized free speech without government retaliation.

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Story summary

A federal appeals court is leaning toward upholding U.S. President Donald Trump’s authority to exclude The Associated Press from White House spaces because the AP refused to adopt his Gulf of Mexico terminology.
During the hearings, judges questioned the implications of viewpoint discrimination in presidential access.
The Trump administration argues it retains discretion over which journalists can enter.
An AP spokesperson emphasized free speech without government retaliation.