White House Blocks AP Reporters Over ‘Gulf of America’ Dispute \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The White House barred Associated Press reporters and photographers from traveling on Air Force One, citing the AP’s refusal to use “Gulf of America” instead of Gulf of Mexico as the reason. The move, which follows multiple restrictions on AP’s access to presidential events, has sparked press freedom concerns. The AP calls the decision unconstitutional, while the Trump administration argues that press access is not a guaranteed right.
Trump White House Blocks AP Over ‘Gulf of America’ Naming Dispute: Quick Looks
- AP Reporters Barred from Air Force One – The White House denied AP journalists access to the president’s plane.
- Naming Controversy – The dispute centers on Trump’s order renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
- Press Freedom Concerns – AP and other outlets argue the move violates First Amendment protections.
- Trump’s Justification – The administration claims AP is spreading misinformation by rejecting the name change.
- Other Media Reactions – NYT and Washington Post back AP, while Fox News adopts “Gulf of America”.
- White House Correspondents Association Response – The group condemns the exclusion but talks remain ongoing.
Deep Look
In a significant escalation of tensions between the Trump administration and the press, the White House blocked a credentialed Associated Press (AP) reporter and photographer from boarding Air Force One on Friday, citing the news agency’s refusal to adopt Trump’s new geographic naming directive.
The White House justified the move by accusing the AP of “spreading misinformation” by continuing to refer to the Gulf of Mexico rather than using Trump’s preferred term, the “Gulf of America.”
This latest action follows a week of increasing restrictions on AP reporters at presidential events, including their exclusion from a press conference with India’s leader and multiple Oval Office appearances.
A Press Freedom Battle Over a Geographic Name
For over three centuries, the body of water bordering the southern U.S. has been internationally recognized as the Gulf of Mexico. However, Trump recently issued an executive order renaming it the “Gulf of America”, claiming that the change better reflects U.S. sovereignty.
The AP, which sets standards for journalistic language usage worldwide, has rejected the unilateral renaming, stating that it will:
- Continue using “Gulf of Mexico” globally.
- Mention Trump’s “Gulf of America” order when covering U.S. politics.
The news agency compared this decision to its recent style shift from Denali to Mount McKinley in Alaska—a change aligned with Trump’s 2017 renaming directive for a landmark fully under U.S. jurisdiction.
AP Condemns White House Retaliation
AP spokeswoman Lauren Easton strongly criticized the administration’s decision, calling it an attack on press freedom.
“Freedom of speech is a pillar of American democracy. The actions taken to restrict AP’s coverage of presidential events because of how we refer to a geographic location chip away at this important right enshrined in the U.S. Constitution for all Americans.”
Journalists and First Amendment advocates argue that barring reporters over editorial decisions amounts to government retaliation, violating constitutional protections of a free press.
Trump Administration Justifies AP’s Exclusion
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich defended the decision, accusing the AP of undermining the administration’s policies and disregarding a “lawful geographic name change.”
In a statement released on X (formerly Twitter), Budowich asserted that the AP’s refusal to adopt “Gulf of America” proves the agency is committed to misinformation.
“While the First Amendment protects the AP’s right to irresponsible and dishonest reporting, it does not ensure unfettered access to Air Force One or limited spaces like the Oval Office.”
Budowich confirmed that the AP still holds White House credentials but will continue to face access restrictions for failing to comply with administration policies.
AP Reporters Blocked at Joint Base Andrews
On Friday morning, an AP reporter and photographer traveled to Joint Base Andrews for their scheduled participation in the presidential press pool. After clearing security, they were informed that they would not be allowed to board Air Force One, with the reason given as “outlet-specific.”
Other journalists traveling with Trump later sent images to AP reporters showing empty seats labeled with their names and a “Welcome Aboard” message—a move seen as deliberately antagonistic toward the news organization.
How Other Media Outlets Are Responding
The White House Correspondents Association (WHCA) issued a formal statement condemning the move, calling it a “dangerous precedent” that threatens all journalists.
While individual outlets have been cautious in their responses, major media organizations have begun taking sides:
- The New York Times and Washington Post backed the AP, calling the White House’s actions retribution for editorial decisions.
- Fox News announced it will refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” aligning with Trump’s directive.
NYT spokesman Charles Stadtlander stated:
“We stand by The Associated Press in condemning repeated acts of retribution by this administration for editorial decisions it disagrees with.”
Meanwhile, the Washington Post emphasized that AP’s access is crucial for all media outlets.
“AP’s coverage of the administration is central for all journalistic organizations, including The Washington Post, in serving millions of Americans with fact-based, independent journalism each day.”
White House Continues Press Exclusions
The AP’s Air Force One ban was not an isolated incident. This week alone, the Trump administration:
- Barred AP from a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Excluded AP from multiple Oval Office events.
- Had White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt accuse AP of publishing “lies.”
Leavitt’s Friday afternoon social media post further inflamed tensions. While listing Trump’s latest executive orders, she ended her message pointedly:
“The @AP was not invited.”
What’s Next?
As talks between the White House and media organizations continue, key questions remain:
- Will the White House extend access bans to other critical outlets?
- Could this battle lead to legal action over First Amendment rights?
- Will major media companies unite in defense of AP, or will some adopt the administration’s naming convention?
With press freedoms and government transparency at stake, the fallout from this naming dispute may have lasting implications for how journalism operates under Trump’s presidency.
