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30-Second Take

• The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) has filed a lawsuit against the White House for failing to provide American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters during press briefings.
• This is the second time NAD has sued the White House on this issue, following a successful lawsuit in 2020 that led to the provision of ASL interpreters for all press briefings.
• The current lawsuit aims to restore ASL interpreters, which were abruptly discontinued in January 2025.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

The National Association of the Deaf has taken legal action against the White House to ensure that deaf and hard of hearing individuals have access to critical information through ASL interpreters during press briefings. This lawsuit follows a previous successful case in 2020 that mandated the provision of ASL interpreters for all coronavirus-related briefings.

Core Players

• National Association of the Deaf (NAD) – Advocacy organization for deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
• White House – The official residence and workplace of President Trump.
• Derrick Ford and Matthew Bonn – Deaf individuals joining NAD in the lawsuit.

Key Numbers

• 2020: Year NAD first sued the White House for lack of ASL interpreters during COVID-19 briefings.
• January 2025: Month when ASL interpreters were discontinued at White House press briefings.
• 5: Number of deaf individuals who joined NAD in the 2020 lawsuit.

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

The sudden halt in providing ASL interpreters at White House press briefings in January 2025 has left deaf and hard of hearing individuals without access to vital information. This move has prompted NAD to take legal action to restore this essential service.

“The law prohibits this exclusion of deaf people from President Trump’s public briefings,” said Ian Hoffman, a partner at Arnold & Porter, who has represented NAD in these cases.

Inside Forces

The White House had previously implemented a policy to provide ASL interpreters for all press briefings following the 2020 lawsuit. However, this practice was abruptly ended, despite repeated requests from NAD to reinstate it.

This change is part of broader concerns about the reduction of accessibility services, which are seen as essential legal accommodations rather than optional activities.

Power Dynamics

NAD has a strong history of advocacy and legal action to ensure equal access for deaf and hard of hearing individuals. The organization’s previous success in compelling the White House to provide ASL interpreters during COVID-19 briefings underscores its influence.

The current lawsuit highlights the ongoing struggle for accessibility and inclusion in government communications.

Outside Impact

The lack of ASL interpreters at press briefings not only affects deaf and hard of hearing individuals but also sets a broader precedent for accessibility in workplaces, education, and public services.

This issue could lead to reduced job opportunities and greater barriers to communication, impacting the ability of deaf and hard of hearing people to fully participate in society.

Future Forces

The outcome of this lawsuit will be crucial in determining the future of accessibility in government communications. If successful, it will ensure that ASL interpreters are reinstated, providing equal access to information for all citizens.

Potential long-term implications include increased advocacy for accessibility in various sectors and a stronger legal framework to protect the rights of deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

Data Points

• September 2020: Landmark court ruling ordering the White House to provide ASL interpreters for all coronavirus-related briefings.
• November 2020: First White House press briefing with ASL interpreters after the court ruling.
• January 2025: ASL interpreters discontinued at White House press briefings.
• May 28, 2025: NAD files lawsuit against the White House to restore ASL interpreters.