Watch Karoline Leavitt Takes Victory Lap After Judge Rules Against Associated Press In 'Gulf Of America' Standoff

 

Lara Trump & Karoline Leavitt at the White House Podium

JUST IN: Leavitt Takes Victory Lap After Judge Rules Against Associated Press In 'Gulf Of America' Standoff

Washington, D.C. – White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt celebrated a legal victory on Tuesday after a federal judge ruled against the Associated Press’s emergency motion for a temporary restraining order. The ruling upheld the Trump Administration’s decision to remove the Associated Press from the White House Press Pool for select events, reinforcing the administration’s stance on press access policies.

Leavitt, addressing reporters from the White House briefing room, reiterated that press access to intimate spaces such as the Oval Office and Air Force One is a privilege, not a right.

“The judge's ruling upholding our decision to deny the Associated Press such privileged access reinforces the truth and reiterates what I said from this podium last week,” Leavitt stated. “Asking the President of the United States questions in limited spaces is a privilege that unfortunately has only been granted to a few, not a legal right for all.”

She went on to highlight the Trump Administration’s commitment to transparency, noting that President Trump has held more press conferences and media availabilities than any of his predecessors.

“This administration has already proven to be the most transparent ever, with President Trump being the most accessible leader in history,” Leavitt continued. “His daily press briefings in the Oval Office, where he takes questions from journalists at the Resolute Desk, exemplify this unprecedented transparency.”

Leavitt also announced a restructuring of the White House Press Pool, which had previously been dictated by the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA). Under the new system, the White House Press Office will determine daily pool access, allowing newer and independent outlets the opportunity to cover White House events.

“Legacy outlets that have participated for decades will still be allowed in,” she assured. “But we will also welcome well-deserving outlets who have never had the chance to share in this awesome responsibility.”

Leavitt emphasized the need to modernize White House media operations to better reflect contemporary news consumption patterns.

“It’s time that the White House Press operation reflects the media habits of the American people in 2025, not 1925,” she declared. “A select group of D.C.-based journalists should no longer have a monopoly over press access.”

This shift will include adding new digital and streaming media organizations, expanding radio pool access to local hosts, and introducing fresh voices to the daily press briefing rotation.

The Associated Press has yet to comment on the ruling, though media analysts predict further legal challenges as traditional news organizations push back against what they see as restrictions on government transparency.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why was the Associated Press removed from the White House Press Pool for certain events?
A: The Trump Administration determined that access to intimate spaces like the Oval Office and Air Force One is a privilege, not a right. The White House Press Office is now overseeing access rather than the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA).

Q: What did the judge’s ruling say?
A: A federal judge denied the Associated Press’s request for an emergency restraining order, effectively upholding the administration’s decision to control press pool access.

Q: Will other news outlets also lose access?
A: No major outlets have been removed entirely, but the White House is expanding access to independent and newer media organizations while maintaining participation from legacy outlets.

Q: How does this change White House media coverage?
A: The administration is broadening access to newer and alternative media sources, ensuring a wider range of perspectives while maintaining transparency through daily press briefings.

Q: Has the Associated Press responded to the ruling?
A: The AP has not issued an official response yet, though legal experts anticipate potential appeals or additional lawsuits in the future.