In a recent press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed questions regarding the exclusion of an Associated Press (AP) reporter from an Oval Office event. The exclusion stems from AP’s refusal to adopt President Donald Trump’s directive to rename the “Gulf of Mexico” to the “Gulf of America” in their reporting.
During the briefing, Leavitt defended the administration’s decision, stating, “It is a fact that the body of water off the coast of Louisiana is called the Gulf of America.” She emphasized the administration’s stance that media outlets should align with this designation, suggesting that failure to do so constitutes the dissemination of false information.
The controversy began when President Trump signed an executive order mandating the name change. While some media organizations complied, the AP maintained its use of the traditional “Gulf of Mexico” terminology, citing a commitment to global clarity and recognizability. In response, the White House barred AP journalists from certain events, including access to the Oval Office and Air Force One.
AP Executive Editor Julie Pace condemned the move, describing it as an infringement on press freedom and a violation of the First Amendment. The White House Correspondents’ Association also criticized the decision, urging the administration to reconsider its position.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the press, raising concerns about governmental influence over independent journalism and the potential erosion of constitutional protections for the media.
Sources:
- AP News
- The Guardian
- AP News
- The Guardian
- El País
- Our Midland
- CNN
- CNN
- The Guardian
- AP
- The American Presidency Project
- YouTube
- TikTok
- Wikipedia
- Wikipedia
- Wikipedia
- Bild
