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2mo ago

Appeals Court Allows Trump to Bar AP From Oval Office and Air Force One

A divided DC Circuit panel paused a lower court injunction by ruling that the president can choose which journalists enter his private workspaces.

FILE - The Associated Press logo is displayed at the news organization's world headquarters in New York on April 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Jackson, File)
AP attorney Charles Tobin, center left, talks with AP White House correspondent Zeke Miller, center with back to camera, and AP chief Washington photographer Evan Vucci, center right, outside the E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse following a hearing on The Associated Press' lawsuit against the Trump administration to restore access to presidential events on March 27 in Washington, DC.
President Donald Trump, right, meets Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he departs the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 6, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Overview

  • The 2-1 decision stayed U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden’s April order that had restored AP access to restricted spaces including the Oval Office and Air Force One.
  • Judges Neomi Rao and Gregory Katsas held that venues like the Oval Office are not First Amendment forums and that the president has discretion over press access.
  • The panel left intact the portion of the injunction requiring the AP to retain access to larger, open venues such as the East Room.
  • In dissent, Judge Cornelia Pillard argued the ruling breaks with longstanding press freedom traditions and contradicts First Amendment precedent.
  • President Trump welcomed the ruling on Truth Social, while the AP expressed disappointment and said it will explore further appeals as litigation continues.