Trump Administration’s Retaliation Against AP Journalists Sparks Lawsuit
Introduction
The Associated Press (AP) has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging that the White House violated the law by barring AP journalists from official events after the news organization refused to adopt President Donald Trump’s proposed name change for the Gulf of Mexico.
Timeline of Events
- January 20, 2017: President Trump signs an executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" and declares February 9 as "Gulf of America Day."
- February 11, 2017: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt informs AP Chief White House Correspondent Zeke Miller that AP would not be allowed to participate in pool coverage in the Oval Office unless it changed its style guide to reflect the new name.
- February 14, 2017: White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich publicly announces that AP journalists are indefinitely barred from limited spaces like the Oval Office and Air Force One for refusing the name change.
- February 21, 2017: The AP files a lawsuit against the administration, alleging violations of the First Amendment.
AP’s Arguments
The AP’s lawsuit argues that the government cannot control speech based solely on its preferences. The organization cites multiple constitutional provisions, including the First Amendment’s protection of free speech.
The AP maintains that its stylebook, which is widely used by other news organizations, reflects the established and recognized names of geographical features. The organization argues that the Gulf of Mexico has been known by that name for centuries and has international significance, while the "Gulf of America" has no historical or geographical basis.
White House’s Response
As of the lawsuit filing, the White House had not issued an official response. However, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles reportedly sent an email to the AP on February 21, saying that the organization was being targeted because its stylebook is used by many. Wiles expressed hope that the AP would reverse its decision.
Additional Name Changes
In addition to the Gulf of Mexico, President Trump has also attempted to change the name of Denali, the tallest mountain in North America. Obama had renamed the mountain from Mount McKinley to Denali in 2015, recognizing its original Athabaskan name. Trump’s executive order reversed this change, calling Obama’s action an "affront" to President McKinley’s legacy.
Stylebook Decisions
The AP’s stylebook is a set of guidelines that provide journalists with consistent standards for writing and reporting. The organization announced on January 23 that it would be changing its style guide to refer to Denali as "Mount McKinley," but would continue to refer to the Gulf as the "Gulf of Mexico."
The AP explained that its decision on the mountain name was based on the fact that it lies entirely within the United States and has been known as Mount McKinley for many years. In contrast, the Gulf of Mexico has shared borders with the United States and Mexico and has carried the "Gulf of Mexico" label for centuries.
Conclusion
The lawsuit filed by the AP challenges the Trump administration’s authority to retaliate against the press for its editorial decisions. The case raises important questions about the balance between government power and the freedom of speech guaranteed by the First Amendment. The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for the relationship between the media and the government in the United States.
