Washington, D.C. — A new media firestorm is brewing after the Associated Press (AP) accused the Trump White House of barring its reporter and photographer from a meeting with President Donald J. Trump and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele. The AP claims it was excluded despite a recent federal court order aimed at restoring its access.
Media Bias Under Scrutiny
The exclusion stems from an ongoing dispute over editorial language. The AP reportedly refused to adopt the administration’s preferred term, “Gulf of America,” instead sticking to “Gulf of Mexico.” As a result, the AP was previously restricted from attending certain press events at the White House.
Last week, Judge Trevor McFadden—appointed by President Trump—ruled that the White House must treat all media outlets fairly if access is granted to any. Still, the judge stopped short of requiring automatic inclusion of the AP in every event.
“When the government grants access to certain members of the press, it cannot lawfully deny that same access to others simply because of their perspectives,” the judge stated in his 41-page ruling.
Trump Administration Defends Reform of White House Press Access
In response to the ruling, the Trump administration has filed an appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. A hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
The AP, meanwhile, continues to demand reinstatement of its traditional spot in the White House press pool—a slot it held for decades under prior administrations. But the Trump team sees things differently.
During Trump’s second term, the White House reduced the number of guaranteed daily pool slots for legacy wire services like AP, Reuters, and Bloomberg. Instead, it created a rotating access system that makes space for emerging media and independent voices—a move praised by many conservatives as a long-overdue correction to mainstream media bias.
End of Special Treatment for Corporate Media?
Critics argue that the AP and similar outlets are clinging to privileges they no longer deserve. Supporters of the president say the press pool reforms are part of a broader effort to restore fairness and integrity to White House coverage.
“The American people are tired of slanted reporting,” said one senior White House official. “This administration is committed to transparency, not favoritism.”
While the legal battle unfolds, the AP still has not regained access to the rotating pool, despite the court’s decision.