Trump’s Administration and AP Clash Over Iconic Photo Rights
The administration of President Donald Trump faced accusations of targeting the Associated Press (AP) due to rights issues over a well-known photo. The photo in question shows Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, following an attempted assassination. This information comes from a report by the New York Times.
The AP has frequently clashed with Trump’s White House since his election in 2024. Following Trump’s inauguration, the AP was banned from the Oval Office and Air Force One. This action occurred because the AP continued to refer to the “Gulf of Mexico” even after Trump renamed it the Gulf of America in 2025. This led to a legal battle over First Amendment rights.
The New York Times indicated that White House aides linked this ban to the AP’s refusal to transfer rights to a controversial photo. This image, captured by photographer Evan Vucci, shows Trump after he was shot. During a private luncheon in 2025, two individuals privy to the discussion reported this additional reason for the AP’s ban.
“We’re focused on continuing to stand for the right of the public and the press to speak freely without government retaliation or control,” an AP spokesperson stated in response to the allegations.
The White House refrained from commenting directly on these matters. During a rally in Butler on July 13, 2024, gunfire injured Trump, grazing his upper right ear. This attack, occurring before Trump’s re-election, was followed by further threats against him.
As Trump spoke about illegal immigration under the Biden administration, shots rang out. Authorities identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, who fired from a nearby rooftop.
Secret Service agents responded quickly, tackling Trump to the ground. As they helped him to his feet, Trump raised his fist and shouted “fight” three times. The crowd responded, chanting “U-S-A!” as Trump left the area.
The gunman fatally shot firefighter Corey Comperatore, who was protecting his family, and injured two other men. A Secret Service sniper killed Crooks during the incident.
The viral photo by Evan Vucci, showing Trump with a fist raised and blood on his face, became front-page news worldwide. Vucci described his mindset during the event, focusing on capturing a critical moment in American history.
The Trump administration continued to pursue rights to Vucci’s image, shown in various reports, as it depicts a pivotal moment during Trump’s presidency.
Fox News contributed additional coverage on the significance of this image and Vucci’s detailed recounting of his experience capturing the shot.