Overview
- Justice Department filings argue a mandate for live American Sign Language interpretation would severely intrude on the President’s prerogative to control his public image and force him to share his platform.
- The National Association for the Deaf sued in May, asserting that ending live ASL interpreting denies Deaf Americans meaningful access to White House communications.
- Government attorneys contend captions and written transcripts provide access and say live interpreting would be difficult during spontaneous question-and-answer exchanges.
- The White House has started using interpreters at some events while disputing the scope of required services under the court order, and it has appealed to the D.C. Circuit.
- NAD previously secured a 2020 settlement for COVID-era briefings, and interpreters were a regular feature during the Biden administration.