The MAGA movement’s loud proclamations about free speech continue to crumble under the weight of their own hypocrisy. In one of the latest flashpoints, Trump aide Carolyn Leavitt finds herself at the center of controversy after barring the Associated Press (AP) from the White House press pool—simply because the AP refused to call the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America,” a bizarre rebranding pushed by Donald Trump.
The situation exploded when journalist Kaitlan Collins directly confronted Leavitt during a press event, questioning whether this move was retaliatory and how it aligned with First Amendment principles. Leavitt, flustered, tried to justify the decision by claiming the administration was promoting transparency by opening up opportunities to other outlets. However, critics pointed out the obvious: excluding a globally respected news agency like the AP for not parroting Trump’s preferred language is textbook censorship, not transparency.
Leavitt insisted that the White House had every right to choose who could access the Oval Office, framing it as an effort to give smaller outlets a voice. Yet her rationale conveniently ignores the fact that punishing a news outlet for refusing to bend to political whims is antithetical to a free press—a principle MAGA world claims to champion.
The Associated Press didn’t take the exclusion lightly. They filed a federal lawsuit against Leavitt and other Trump officials, citing violations of the First and Fifth Amendments. The case underscores the growing tension between the Trump White House and independent media, as well as the dangerous precedent being set: if you don’t bow to MAGA language games, you risk losing access.
Leavitt’s explanations only deepened the absurdity. Speaking at an Axios event around the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, she argued that the new system actually created “more transparency” by giving more outlets access to the press pool. Yet, as many pointed out, transparency isn’t achieved by punishing legitimate media organizations—it’s achieved by embracing hard questions, uncomfortable truths, and genuine accountability.
Even more glaring is the MAGA movement’s broader pattern of hypocrisy. Trump allies constantly accuse the mainstream media of bias while simultaneously pushing propaganda through conservative outlets that operate as little more than Trump fan clubs. As critics noted, when has MAGA media ever not been in lockstep with Trump’s talking points?
The controversy also highlighted the growing fear within right-wing media circles. Former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg recently discussed how even outlets like Fox News have become skittish about hosting figures from the left who challenge their narratives. Fox, once eager to have Buttigieg on air, now rarely invites him—likely because every appearance resulted in brutal fact-checks and public humiliation of their anchors.
Buttigieg’s broader point resonated: the war on academia, the cuts to scientific research, and the demonization of expertise are all part of a short-term political strategy that ultimately undermines America’s innovation and progress. It’s the same mindset that now seeks to control language, punish dissent, and rewrite reality—one banned press badge at a time.
Ultimately, the situation with Carolyn Leavitt isn’t just about one press credential or one lawsuit. It’s a symbol of a deeper, more troubling reality: the MAGA movement’s commitment to free speech and press freedom extends only to those who parrot their narrative. Everyone else is disposable.
As the lawsuit winds through the courts and the White House continues its selective access policies, the message is clear: in MAGA world, loyalty to Trump trumps loyalty to truth.
And if they can silence the Associated Press, they can silence anyone.
