The Associated Press has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging that its reporters were banned from the Oval Office and Air Force One for refusing to use the name “Gulf of America” instead of “Gulf of Mexico.”

The lawsuit names White House Chief of Staff Susan Wiles, Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt as defendants. According to the AP’s complaint, the administration’s decision violates the First Amendment by punishing the outlet for not complying with the White House’s preferred terminology.

FREE PRESS: Based on the arguments made by the AP in its lawsuit against the White House, RT and Pravda have the same right to be in the Oval Office as the AP. For that matter so do I, should I sue? pic.twitter.com/zYJaOqgtm5

— @amuse (@amuse) February 22, 2025

AP lawyers argue that the government has no authority to dictate language in news coverage. “The press and all people in the United States have the right to choose their own words and not be retaliated against by the government,” the lawsuit states. The filing contends that barring AP reporters from key presidential events is an act of censorship.

The White House has defended its position. Earlier this month, Leavitt warned that outlets pushing “falsehoods” would be held accountable. Budowich also addressed the matter, stating that AP’s continued use of the previous name for the Gulf region “exposes the Associated Press’ commitment to misinformation.”

Associated Press sues White House officials in bid to regain access to press pool https://t.co/xt9IfhIGW6

— WSJ Business News (@WSJbusiness) February 21, 2025

Despite being blocked from certain areas, AP journalists still have general White House press credentials. However, their exclusion from high-profile settings has sparked concerns about government overreach.

The case is expected to be closely watched, as it raises questions about whether the administration can restrict media access based on editorial choices.