A United States federal judge has ordered the White House to restore press access to the Associated Press (AP), following a lawsuit filed by the news outlet. Judge Trevor McFadden, who was appointed by President Donald Trump during his first term, issued a preliminary injunction on Tuesday mandating that AP reporters be allowed to resume coverage of official events.

The judge’s ruling reinstates AP access to critical coverage locations, including the Oval Office and Air Force One. The injunction allows the AP to continue its reporting alongside other members of the White House press pool while the legal process unfolds.

The lawsuit originated after the White House barred AP journalists for continuing to use the geographic term “Gulf of Mexico” instead of adopting the administration’s preferred designation, “Gulf of America.” The decision sparked widespread concern among media organizations and press freedom advocates, who viewed it as an attempt to exert editorial control over independent reporting.

Judge McFadden’s decision marks a significant affirmation of press rights within the executive branch. The ruling emphasizes that access restrictions based on editorial choices can raise constitutional issues regarding freedom of the press, especially when such limitations impact coverage of critical government functions.

The Associated Press welcomed the ruling, stating that it is committed to accurate and independent journalism and will continue reporting using standardized geographic terminology. The White House has not yet issued a formal response to the injunction or indicated whether it plans to appeal the decision.

As the case proceeds, the ruling serves as a reminder of the ongoing tensions between the media and the executive branch. It also reinforces the role of the judiciary in upholding constitutional protections and ensuring that government institutions remain accessible to the press and, by extension, the public.