The Associated Press expressed outrage after the White House barred one of its reporters from attending a press event with President Donald Trump and King Abdullah II of Jordan in the Oval Office. This decision was reportedly made because the AP refuses to acknowledge Trump’s executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
During the Oval Office gathering, King Abdullah II announced Jordan’s commitment to provide medical assistance to 2,000 Palestinians, a statement that Trump lauded as new information. The AP’s exclusion highlights a growing tension between the media organization and the Trump administration over the recognition of the Gulf’s name change.
Tara Copp, the Associated Press’s Executive Editor, took to social media to voice her discontent, stating that the organization’s adherence to the traditional name reflects its commitment to factual reporting. She noted that the AP’s refusal to align with the name change was the reason for the denial of access to the Oval Office.
In January, the AP had announced plans to update its style guide to include both the Gulf of America and the Gulf of Mexico in its reporting. However, the organization has maintained its stance on using the traditional name, contrasting with platforms like Google Maps and Apple Maps, which have adopted the new designation.
Copp further elaborated on the situation in a formal statement, emphasizing the importance of independent journalism and the First Amendment. She condemned the White House’s actions as an infringement on press freedoms, stating that limiting access based on editorial decisions undermines the public’s right to receive unbiased news.
The incident raises significant concerns about the relationship between the press and the government, particularly regarding the implications of access to information and the potential for punitive measures against media organizations that do not conform to official narratives. As the AP continues to uphold its editorial standards, the ongoing conflict over the Gulf’s name could serve as a focal point in the broader discourse on press freedom in the United States.