The administration of President Donald Trump pursued the Associated Press (AP) concerning the rights to a notable photograph taken in Butler, Pennsylvania. This image, captured during the aftermath of an assassination attempt, was a subject of contention reported by the New York Times.
The AP and Trump’s White House have experienced several disputes since his election in 2024. One significant conflict was the AP’s ban from the Oval Office and Air Force One following its continued use of the term ‘Gulf of Mexico’ after Trump’s 2025 rechristening of the area as the Gulf of America. This led to a First Amendment battle in the courts.
According to the New York Times, White House aides connected the ban with the AP’s refusal to relinquish rights to the image of President Trump taken by photographer Evan Vucci after a shooting incident. Two individuals informed the Times about this connection following a confidential lunch with Trump and television anchors in 2025.
The AP spokesperson stated, “We’re focused on continuing to stand for the right of the public and the press to speak freely without government retaliation or control.”
A source noted that the White House has not officially communicated this reasoning to the AP. Fox News Digital received no immediate response to its request for a comment from the White House.
The incident in Butler occurred on July 13, 2024, when Trump was grazing wounds from gunfire at a rally. This assassination attempt occurred just months before the presidential election and preceded several other alleged assassination attempts and threats.
The Secret Service tackled Trump on stage after shots disrupted his speech on illegal immigration under the Biden administration. The gunfire came from Thomas Matthew Crooks, who fired from a nearby building, targeting Trump. Secret Service snipers subsequently neutralized the threat posed by Crooks during the attack.
Tragically, the attack resulted in the death of firefighter Corey Comperatore, who was shielding his family, along with injuries sustained by two others. A viral photograph taken by Vucci captured Trump with his fist raised high and blood visible on his face.
Vucci, reflecting on the moment, stated, “I knew that this was a moment in American history that I had to be at the top of my game for.” He described his quick response in switching lenses to capture the chaos and drama of the scene, emphasizing the historical significance of such imagery.
Vucci’s iconic image positioned the flag above the stage and the SUV positioned for Trump’s exit, capturing a powerful image as Trump gestured to the crowd.
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