In a controversial move, the White House barred the Associated Press (AP) from covering an official event on February 9, 2025, after the news agency refused to adopt President Trump’s newly designated name for the Gulf of Mexico, which he has proclaimed as the Gulf of America. The decision came just before Trump was set to sign a proclamation aboard Air Force One while en route to New Orleans, Louisiana, an act that has sparked significant debate over press freedom and the administration’s relationship with the media.
AP Executive Editor Julie Pace revealed that the White House informed the agency it would be excluded from the event due to its editorial stance. "It is alarming that the Trump administration would punish AP for its independent journalism," Pace stated, emphasizing that restricting access to the Oval Office based on editorial choices violates the First Amendment and undermines public access to unbiased news.
The event was particularly newsworthy, as it involved discussions between Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk regarding substantial cuts to the federal government as part of Musk’s government efficiency initiative known as DOGE. During this event, Trump was expected to sign an executive order that officially renamed the Gulf, citing its economic significance to the nation. This order, signed on his first day in office, was framed as a recognition of the Gulf’s importance to the U.S. economy and its people.
The White House did not respond to requests for comment from NPR regarding the exclusion of AP journalists. The situation has drawn attention to the growing tensions between the Trump administration and mainstream media outlets, with other organizations expressing solidarity with the AP. Politico’s Eugene Daniels, president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, condemned the move, stating, "The White House cannot dictate how news organizations report the news, nor should it penalize working journalists because it is unhappy with their editors’ decisions."
The AP’s Stylebook, widely used by journalists globally, continues to refer to the body of water as the Gulf of Mexico, despite the administration’s push for the new name. The updated guidance acknowledges the historical title while noting the name change promoted by Trump. The U.S. Geological Service has officially recognized the Gulf of America, and major platforms like Apple and Google Maps have adopted this designation for users in the U.S. However, the traditional name persists in international contexts.
Critics of the administration’s actions highlight the implications for press freedom, especially in light of recent moves to limit access to key government venues. Under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, several major news organizations have been displaced from their workstations at the Pentagon, replaced by right-leaning outlets. This pattern of exclusion raises concerns about the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
As the Trump administration continues to challenge media narratives and assert control over information, the incident with the AP serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for press independence in the face of governmental pressure. The implications of such actions extend beyond the immediate event, potentially shaping the landscape of American journalism in the years to come.