Photo: ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP / Getty Images
The National Association for the Deaf filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in May, alleging that the White House’s decision to stop providing American Sign Language interpretation violates the rights of deaf and hard-of-hearing Americans. The group argues the change cuts off meaningful access to live presidential communications on major domestic and global issues.
ASL interpreters were routinely used during press events under the Biden administration. The association also sued during Trump’s first term, when it sought interpretation for White House briefings amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a June court filing opposing a preliminary injunction, attorneys for the Justice Department — as reported by Politico — argued that requiring sign language interpreters at press conferences would interfere with the president’s authority to manage his public image and messaging. The filing stated that the president has broad discretion over how his administration presents itself to the public.
Government lawyers further claimed that deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals can still access presidential remarks through alternatives such as written transcripts and closed captioning. They also cited logistical challenges, noting that spontaneous press interactions would make it difficult to consistently provide interpreters.
The White House declined to comment publicly on the lawsuit or on arguments suggesting ASL interpretation could negatively affect the president’s image.
In their filing, Justice Department attorneys also questioned whether similar accessibility requirements were being imposed on Congress or the courts, suggesting the executive branch was being unfairly singled out.
Accessibility advocates point out that Washington, D.C. is home to Gallaudet University, a leading institution for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, meaning qualified interpreters are readily available. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser regularly includes ASL interpreters at her public appearances.
Last month, a federal judge rejected the administration’s objections and ordered the White House to provide real-time ASL interpretation during remarks by President Trump and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. The administration has appealed the ruling and has since offered limited interpretation services, though disagreement remains over what level of access is required.
The lawsuit unfolds amid broader administration actions targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. During his first week back in office, Trump signed an executive order ending DEI programs across the federal government. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth later declared such policies incompatible with the Pentagon’s mission, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio reversed a font change in official communications, citing concerns over DEI-driven decisions.
SOURCE: WHSV3
