While the AP has framed the dispute as a First Amendment issue, Trump's team says access to its events – most of which are funded by tax dollars – is a privilege extended by invitation, and that while AP is still permitted on White House grounds, it no longer has the right to be part of pools that cover events where space is limited.

President Donald Trump made his first reference on Monday to his White House war with the Associated Press—only to vow to maintain its indefinite ban of the news outlet. Trump called the wire service “obsolete” and said he would keep it barred from press engagements until it calls the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America.