AP reporter banned from White House over Gulf name dispute

Wednesday 12 February 2025 - 10:37

The Associated Press (AP) announced Tuesday that its White House correspondent was blocked from attending an event with President Donald Trump after the agency refused to comply with his executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America." AP Executive Editor Julie Pace stated that the White House informed the agency that failure to align with the order would result in the reporter’s exclusion from the Oval Office event.

In an executive order signed last month, Trump declared the Gulf of Mexico to be renamed, citing its importance to U.S. oil production, fishing, and tourism. The body of water, which borders both the U.S. and Mexico, has historically been known as the Gulf of Mexico by both countries. Trump referred to the Gulf as "an indelible part of America."

Pace expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the troubling nature of the Trump administration's action. She argued that limiting access to the Oval Office based on editorial decisions infringed on the First Amendment and undermined independent journalism.

AP clarified that the executive order applied only within the United States and would not be recognized by other nations, including Mexico. The AP also confirmed that it would continue to use the Gulf of Mexico name, despite acknowledging Trump's change.

The White House Correspondents' Association condemned the action, stating that the White House should not dictate news coverage or punish journalists for editorial choices.

In addition to the Gulf of America, Trump’s order also renamed Denali in Alaska back to its former title, Mount McKinley. AP stated it would use the new name for the Alaskan peak as it is a U.S. domestic matter.