In a closely watched legal fight over press freedom and presidential access, a federal appeals court on Friday handed The Associated Press (AP) an incremental loss in its effort to regain full access to President Trump’s events.

By a 2-1 vote, the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington sided with the Trump administration, granting a stay that pauses enforcement of a lower court ruling. That ruling had found the administration improperly punished AP for its reporting—specifically, for continuing to use the term “Gulf of Mexico” instead of Trump’s preferred “Gulf of America.”

What’s the Issue?

AP, a news agency with a nearly 180-year history and global reach, had long been part of the “pool” of reporters allowed to cover the president in tight quarters like the Oval Office and aboard Air Force One. But in February, after AP refused to adopt Trump’s renaming of the Gulf of Mexico, the administration reduced the news outlet’s access, cutting back the presence of AP reporters at these key events.

The Court’s Take

Judges Gregory G. Katsas and Neomi Rao, both Trump appointees, ruled that the president has broad discretion to decide who can enter private spaces like the Oval Office and Air Force One. Crucially, they agreed that Trump could consider a journalist’s viewpoint in making these decisions — a legal principle known as “viewpoint discrimination.”

Judge Rao explained, “If the president sits down for an interview with Fox News’ Laura Ingraham, he is not required to do the same with MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow.” The majority opinion emphasized that the First Amendment does not limit the president’s choice of whom to speak with or grant special access.

The stay will remain in place while the court prepares for a full appeal review, likely several months away, when a different panel of judges will hear the case.

The Dissent

Judge Cornelia T.L. Pillard, appointed by former President Obama, strongly disagreed. In her dissent, she warned that allowing the president to exclude journalists based on viewpoint sets a dangerous precedent. She pointed out that this reasoning could lead future administrations to only permit friendly media outlets into press spaces—Republicans favoring Fox News, Democrats favoring MSNBC.

“Each and every member of the White House press corps would hesitate to publish anything an incumbent administration might dislike,” Pillard wrote. She argued there’s no sound reason to treat the Oval Office as exempt from standard First Amendment protections against viewpoint discrimination.

A Longstanding Struggle Between Trump and the Press

The tussle between Trump and the media has been ongoing. Since the initial ruling, the White House has implemented a rotation system for smaller events, usually including AP photographers but limiting text reporters’ presence. Meanwhile, Trump has engaged more frequently with small, friendly media groups in the Oval Office rather than holding traditional press conferences, where AP journalists typically attend.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt celebrated the court’s ruling on social media, calling it a “VICTORY!” and claiming it opens access to a broader range of media beyond the “failing legacy media.” Trump himself posted on Truth Social, mocking AP for refusing to adopt his term “Gulf of America” and branding them “FAKE NEWS.”

What’s Next?

AP spokesman Patrick Maks expressed disappointment with the ruling and said the organization is exploring its options, including seeking expedited review of the full case.

As the legal battle continues, the case raises significant questions about the balance between the president’s authority over access to private presidential spaces and the fundamental free-press protections enshrined in the First Amendment.

Judge Rao’s majority opinion summed up the stakes: “The Oval Office is the President’s office, over which he has absolute control and discretion to exclude the public or members of the press.”

Source: AP News – Appeals court hands AP an incremental loss in its attempt to regain its access to Trump events

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NEW YORK — In an emotional day in court, a woman who dated Sean “Diddy” Combs tearfully described how the music mogul allegedly ignored her pleas to end drug-fueled sex marathons, pushed her into repeated encounters with other men, and manipulated her into staying silent.

Testifying under the pseudonym “Jane,” she recounted deeply troubling experiences spanning their three-year relationship. Her testimony, now in its second day, echoes previous allegations made by R&B singer Cassie, another of Combs’ former partners.

A Dark Relationship: “He Told Me to ‘Finish Strong’”

Jane described how Combs, 55, would orchestrate marathon sex sessions — sometimes lasting up to three days — involving her and multiple men while he watched. She said she tried to signal discomfort through subtle cues: saying she was tired, making faces, or gesturing. But he allegedly pushed her to keep going, even telling her to “finish strong.”

When asked why she didn’t say “no” directly, Jane sobbed, “I just, I don’t know.” She said Combs would shut down conversations about stopping the encounters, which she described as “dark” and “sleazy.”

Drug Use and Emotional Manipulation

Jane testified that Combs frequently supplied her with drugs like ecstasy and expected her to participate in these “hotel nights.” She said she once blacked out during an encounter and recalled vomiting after being with two men in a row. Combs reportedly told her, “You’ll feel better now that you’ve thrown up. So let’s go,” before urging her to sleep with a third man.

“I was repulsed,” she said.

Despite the trauma, Jane admitted she stayed, craving the brief, tender moments alone with Combs afterward. “I would really fight to block out how sad I was after,” she said. In unsent messages saved to her phone, she wrote, “I don’t want to do drugs for days and days and have you use me to fulfill your freaky, wild desires in hotel rooms.”

Financial Control and a Fear of Losing It All

By September 2023, Combs was paying Jane’s rent — a gesture she said became a form of control. She feared speaking out or stopping the hotel nights would mean losing her home. “That Sean would take the house away,” she told the jury. Even now, she added, Combs is still covering her rent.

Similarities to Cassie’s Allegations

Jane’s account closely mirrors that of Cassie Ventura, who settled a separate civil case against Combs. Cassie testified about similar “freak-offs” — a term Jane said she never used, preferring “hotel nights.” Both women reported suffering from urinary tract infections and physical pain as a result of the encounters.

A Chilling Audio Recording

Jurors heard a recording of one of Jane’s encounters. In it, she asks a man to wear a condom, but said Combs “guilt-tripped” her out of it — because it wasn’t something “he wanted to see.”

Jane also revealed that Combs used her as a drug mule at least twice, asking her to smuggle pills from Los Angeles to Miami in her checked luggage. She admitted to using some of the drugs with him.

Defense Pushes Back, Targets Witness Credibility

Combs has pleaded not guilty to federal charges, which allege he ran his business as a criminal enterprise that enabled the abuse of women for over 20 years. He faces 15 years to life if convicted.

His legal team insists all sexual activity was consensual and part of a swinger lifestyle. In opening statements, his attorneys acknowledged Combs’ “bad temper” but rejected any suggestion of criminal conduct.

The defense has also questioned the credibility of key witnesses. Earlier this week, they grilled graphic designer Bryana “Bana” Bongolan — a friend of Cassie — who claims Combs once dangled her off a high-rise balcony. Defense lawyers questioned the timeline of her allegation, pointing out Combs was on tour at the time. Bongolan stood by her story, saying she couldn’t recall the exact date, but “had no doubt it occurred.”

A Trial That Could Shake the Music Industry

As the trial progresses, a pattern of alleged coercion, manipulation, and abuse continues to emerge from multiple women. With more testimony expected in the coming days, the spotlight remains firmly on one of the most powerful names in the music industry — and a court case that could redefine his legacy.

Source: AP News – Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ ex-girlfriend sobs in court, saying he ignored her pleas to end sex marathons

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