The Associated Press (AP) has launched legal proceedings against three White House officials in a federal court in Washington, alleging constitutional violations stemming from restricted access to presidential events.
The lawsuit, filed on Friday, centres on a dispute that erupted after AP continued using the term "Gulf of Mexico" in its reporting, defying President Donald Trump's executive order to rename it the "Gulf of America", reports AFP.
The global news agency maintains that the subsequent restrictions - including barring their journalists from White House premises and Air Force One access over the past ten days - constitute a breach of First Amendment rights guaranteeing freedom of expression.
The row began after President Trump signed an executive order attempting to rename the Gulf of Mexico, a move that AP declined to adopt in its reporting, citing its worldwide readership.
Whilst AP photographers have maintained their event access, reporters have faced comprehensive restrictions from both the White House grounds and presidential transport.
The case, which has significant implications for press freedom and executive authority, is now pending before the federal court. Legal experts suggest it could set a precedent for future disputes between media organisations and the White House over editorial independence.
