President Donald Trump just secured a major legal victory against the Associated Press (AP) after a federal judge denied the news agency’s request for a restraining order forcing the White House to restore its access to Trump’s events.

Judge Trevor McFadden ruled that AP’s delay in filing the lawsuit undermined its claim of “irreparable harm”, handing Trump’s administration the upper hand in the high-profile legal showdown.

AP Desperate To Get In WH

The legal battle erupted after AP refused to comply with Trump’s new style guide, which officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.”

AP’s lawsuit claimed its First Amendment and due process rights were being violated by the White House’s decision to revoke its VIP press privileges.

But McFadden wasn’t buying it—pointing out that AP waited more than a week to file suit, suggesting there was no real urgency.

The ruling shocked many in the press corps, who expected the judge to favor AP in the opening round.

“The Fake News Will Be Held Accountable”

The White House fired back at AP’s lawsuit, defending Trump’s decision to stand firm against a dishonest press.

“As we have said from the beginning, asking the President of the United States questions in the Oval Office and aboard Air Force One is a privilege granted to journalists, not a legal right.”

The press office doubled down, stating that Trump’s administration has actually expanded press freedom—restoring 400 press badges revoked under Biden and adding a new briefing room seat for independent journalists and social media influencers.

AP’s exclusion from the press pool has sent shockwaves through the media, with journalists fearing it could set a precedent.

Trump’s Message: Play By the Rules, or Get Out

Trump made it crystal clear last week:

“We’re going to keep them out until such time as they agree that it’s the Gulf of America.”

Unlike past Republican leaders who caved to media pressure, Trump isn’t afraid to fight back.

Historical Precedent? Obama and Biden Did It Too—But Media Stayed Silent

While the leftist press is up in arms, let’s not forget:

• Obama tried to boot Fox News from the press pool—but backed down after other networks threatened to boycott in solidarity.
• Biden locked out conservative outlets like The New York Post for months, even leaving press seats empty rather than letting them in.

Now that Trump is simply applying the same rules to AP, the media suddenly cares about “press freedom.”

What’s Next? AP’s Court Battle Continues, But Trump Has the Upper Hand

While the judge hinted AP might have a stronger case at trial, Trump’s legal team is prepared to fight.

With the leftist media losing its grip on the narrative, expect more panic, more lawsuits, and more wins for Trump.