Judge won't take further steps to enforce his order

Washington, Apr. 20: A federal judge who ordered the Trump administration to stop blocking The Associated Press from presidential events refused Friday to take immediate steps to get White House officials to comply — an incremental development in a two-month dispute between the global news agency and administration officials over access.

The case, which has significant free-speech implications under the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment, centers on the government blocking AP's access to cover events because the outlet won't rename the Gulf of Mexico in its reports.

U.S. District Judge Trevor N. McFadden, who handed the AP a victory last week in its efforts to end the ban, said it's too soon to say that President Donald Trump is violating his order — as the AP suggests.

"We are not at the point where we can make much of a determination one way or another," said McFadden, ruling from the bench. "I don't intend to micromanage the White House."

The AP's lawyer, Charles Tobin, wouldn't comment about the judge's decision after the proceedings. The White House issued no immediate comment.(AP)