White House Blocks AP Journalist Over Style Dispute on Gulf Name Change

WASHINGTON — The White House blocked access to an Associated Press reporter on Tuesday during an event in the Oval Office, following demands for the news agency to alter its style regarding the Gulf of Mexico, recently renamed by President Donald Trump as the Gulf of America.

AP executives reported that the incident, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon, marks a significant escalation in tensions between the Trump administration and the media. Julie Pace, the senior vice president and executive editor of The Associated Press, termed the action “unacceptable,” emphasizing that it hinders the public’s access to independent journalism.

“It is alarming that the Trump administration would punish AP for its independent journalism,” Pace stated. “Limiting our access to the Oval Office based on the content of AP’s speech violates the First Amendment of the Constitution.” The First Amendment protects the freedom of the press from government interference, reinforcing the critical role of independent media.

The White House did not announce any further details regarding the decision, and it remains uncertain whether other journalists faced similar restrictions. The administration has been known for its adversarial stance toward the media, which has resulted in previous incidents where certain news organizations have been banned from specific events.

Prior to his inauguration, Trump expressed intent to change the Gulf of Mexico’s name to the Gulf of America. Upon taking office, he signed an executive order to initiate this name change immediately. The move drew sarcastic responses from international figures, including Mexico’s president, and many noted that the alteration would likely have little impact on global naming conventions.

The AP has stated that it will continue to refer to the Gulf of Mexico but will recognize the president’s decision in its reporting. It contended that maintaining globally recognized place names is essential for its international audience, as reflected by its longstanding practice of following the U.S. government’s guidance on such matters.

In addition, the administration has endeavored to revert the name of Denali back to Mount McKinley, the name honoring the 25th U.S. president. After President Barack Obama ordered the name to be changed in 2015, Trump reiterated his decision to use Mount McKinley for federal geographical references.