Labor & Employment Law Daily Wrap Up, LITIGATION NEWS, TRENDS—Lawsuit demands ASL interpreters for all White House press briefings, (May 29, 2025)

By Patricia K. Ruiz, J.D.

The lawsuit argues closed captioning is insufficient to provide meaningful access to those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

A lawsuit filed by the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) seeks to compel the White House to make their press briefings accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing by immediately resuming the provision of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters during broadcasts, according to a NAD press release. The complaint alleges the White House is in violation of Rehabilitation Act § 504, which mandates meaningful access for people with disabilities to all White House communications, and in violation of the First Amendment, which mandates freedom of exchange of information.

Need for ASL interpretation. ASL is the primary and preferred language of many Americans who are deaf or hard of hearing, according to the complaint. ASL is a complete and complex language distinct from English, and it has its own vocabulary and rules for grammar and syntax. Many deaf individuals cannot read or understand written English, the complaint explains. Thus, the only way many individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can meaningfully access White House press briefings is through qualified ASL interpreters who appear on-screen beside the speaker.

Trump administration actions. According to NAD, since taking office, more than 130 executive orders from the Trump administration take actions that significantly impact the American people, including actions shutting down various offices within the federal government, many of which were responsible for the provision of workplace accommodations directly impacting federal employees who are deaf and hard of hearing in compliance with various civil rights laws. Additionally, when top government officials make important announcements without ASL interpreters, people who are deaf and hard of hearing cannot meaningfully access this information. The lawsuit demands that the White House restore access to the highest level of government by reinstating ASL interpreters for all press briefings.

Previous litigation. This is the second time NAD has sued the White House for access to press briefings and obtained a preliminary injunction ordering the White House to provide interpreters for all briefings related to COVID-19. The court found closed captions did not provide meaningful access to White House press briefings for those who rely on ASL to communicate. Subsequently, the White House implemented a policy to provide ASL interpreters for all press briefings conducted by the president, vice president, first lady, second gentleman, or the White House press secretary. Following the settlement, the White House has provided ASL interpreters for all public briefings, press conferences, and related events by the president, the vice president, and the White House press secretary. According to the press release, this practice ended abruptly in 2025, and the White House has failed to provide ASL interpreters for any press briefings, despite repeated requests by NAD.

The case is No. 1:25-cv-01683.

Companies: National Association of the Deaf

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