White House Bars Reporter From Event Over A.P.’s Use of ‘Gulf of Mexico’

The Associated Press reported on Tuesday that one of its journalists was denied entry to an Oval Office event because the news outlet continued to use the traditional name for the Gulf of Mexico.

Julie Pace, executive editor of The A.P., stated that the White House informed them that they would not be allowed to cover the event unless they started referring to it as the “Gulf of America,” as decreed by President Trump in January. The President signed an executive order in the Oval Office on Tuesday, urging federal agencies to collaborate with Elon Musk’s cost-cutting initiative, known as the Department of Government Efficiency.

Ms. Pace expressed concern over the Trump administration’s actions, stating, “It is concerning that the Trump administration is punishing The Associated Press for its independent journalism. Restricting our access to the Oval Office based on the content of our reporting not only hinders the public’s right to unbiased news, but also violates the First Amendment.”

Eugene Daniels, president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, called on the administration to reverse its decision immediately.

Mr. Daniels criticized the White House’s attempt to control news reporting, stating, “The White House cannot dictate how news organizations report the news, nor should it punish journalists for their editors’ decisions. Barring an Associated Press reporter from a public event open to press coverage is unacceptable.”

The A.P. clarified its stance on the Gulf of Mexico on Jan. 23, explaining that the body of water had been known by that name for over 400 years and shares borders with the U.S. and Mexico. As Mexico did not recognize Trump’s executive order, The A.P. decided to continue using the traditional name while acknowledging the new designation.

The news outlet did, however, update its stylebook to reflect Trump’s order to rename Denali back to Mt. McKinley.

President Trump issued the executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico on Jan. 20 as part of his commitment to “American greatness,” declaring Feb. 9 as “Gulf of America Day.”