Trump Announces Restrictions on AP Access at White House Unless It Adopts ‘Gulf of America’ Style

President Trump recently stated that he will limit The Associated Press (AP) from covering his events until they agree to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America in their reports. He openly acknowledged this as a response to their editorial choices.

While speaking at his estate in Mar-a-Lago, Trump said, “We’re going to keep them out until such time as they agree that it’s the Gulf of America. We’re very proud of this country.” This was the first time he addressed the restriction on AP since it began last week. On Tuesday, two AP journalists were denied entry to Mar-a-Lago and had to watch Trump’s remarks on a live feed.

Trump’s renaming of the Gulf is part of a larger conflict. For over 400 years, the body of water has been known as the Gulf of Mexico. The AP, which influences many news organizations through its Stylebook, plans to continue using the traditional name despite Trump’s decision. They believe it’s essential for names of places to be internationally recognizable.

In response to Trump’s claims, AP spokesperson Lauren Easton said, “This is about the government telling the public and press what words to use.” She criticized the administration for punishing AP based on their terminology choices.

This ongoing dispute raises important questions about free speech. While the AP argues that this is a First Amendment issue, Trump’s team claims that access to events is a privilege, not a right. They suggest that while AP can still be on White House grounds, they no longer have automatic access to every covered event.

Other media outlets, including The New York Times and The Washington Post, continue using Gulf of Mexico, while Fox News has decided to refer to it as Gulf of America. Axios acknowledged this change, noting its audience is primarily American.

Trump’s grievances with AP go beyond the Gulf name change. His staff expressed concerns about how the AP’s Stylebook represents language related to sensitive topics, like gender-affirming care and racial terminology.

During his comments, Trump labeled some AP terms as “ridiculous” and “obsolete,” although he did not specify which ones. He also criticized the outlet’s coverage of him and the 2020 election, insisting that they do not favor him or conservative viewpoints.

The ongoing clash reflects broader tensions between the Trump administration and established media outlets. Recently, the Pentagon excluded eight news organizations from its facilities, and the legal battle with CBS News over an edited interview continues.

Trump’s event on Tuesday was accessible to several other outlets, including The New York Times and Axios, hinting at a selective approach to media coverage under his administration.