By Sam Barron
Thursday, December 11, 2025
A U.S. federal judge has mandated that the White House provide real-time American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation during press briefings, ruling that excluding deaf Americans from critical government communications violates the Rehabilitation Act.
The National Association for the Deaf sued the Trump administration over its decision to withhold ASL interpreters from press conferences conducted by President Donald Trump and press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
U.S. District Judge Amir Ali ruled last month that the White House must restore real-time ASL interpretations, stating that denying deaf Americans access “presents a clear, present, and imminent harm” by blocking them from essential updates on economic matters, public health, and national security issues.
The administration appealed the ruling but has begun implementing it for some events. Judge Ali rejected arguments that ASL interpretation constitutes a “major incursion” into press conferences, emphasizing that remote interpretation can be conducted without requiring interpreters in the same room as speakers.
During proceedings, the Trump administration requested the judge limit his ruling to press briefings scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. However, the court maintained that White House officials must take all reasonable steps to provide interpretation whenever they have advance knowledge of an upcoming briefing.
A White House spokesperson confirmed compliance with the federal court order.
