- The White House has indefinitely restricted AP access to the Oval Office and Air Force One due to the AP’s decision to continue using “Gulf of Mexico” instead of “Gulf of America,” as mandated by a Trump executive order. Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich defended the move, accusing the AP of misinformation.
- The AP, one of the world’s largest news agencies, maintains that it must use the original name while acknowledging the new one, as part of its global journalistic standards.
- The AP cited similar naming policies, such as using both the Gulf of California and the Sea of Cortez.
Full Story
The White House limited The Associated Press’ access to the Oval Office and Air Force One due to the outlet’s refusal to adopt the term “Gulf of America” in place of “Gulf of Mexico.” President Donald Trump made the change with an executive order during his first month in office.
Administration defends decision
Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich posted on X, accusing the AP of spreading misinformation and defending the White House’s right to restrict access. Budowich stated that other reporters would now have access to these exclusive spaces while AP journalists retain White House complex credentials.
“The Associated Press continues to ignore the lawful geographic name change of the Gulf of America.This decision is not just divisive, but it also exposes the Associated Press’ commitment to misinformation.
“While their right to irresponsible and dishonest reporting is protected by the First Amendment, it does not ensure their privilege of unfettered access to limited spaces, like the Oval Office and Air Force One.”
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich
Federal agencies have adopted “Gulf of America.”
Apple and Google Maps also updated their software to reflect the change within the U.S. However, Google Maps shows both names internationally, and in Mexico, the body remains labeled as the Gulf of Mexico.
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What is the AP’s policy?
The AP, citing its role as a global news organization, said it cannot use “Gulf of America” exclusively. Its policy is to use the original name while acknowledging the new one. The AP noted similar practices, such as referring to the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez in Mexico.
Escalation over three days
The dispute began Tuesday, Feb. 11 when the AP was barred from an executive order signing. AP Executive Editor Julie Pace noted the AP was also excluded from a Trump-Modi press conference, marking three consecutive days of restricted access.
In a letter to the White House Chief of Staff, Pace condemned the actions as First Amendment violations.
“The actions taken by the White House were plainly intended to punish The A.P. for the content of its speech. This is viewpoint discrimination based on a news organization’s editorial choices and a clear violation of the First Amendment.”
AP Executive Editor Julie Pace
On Wednesday, Feb. 12, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the restrictions, emphasizing that White House access is a privilege and stating the administration has a right to grant AP’s seat to other outlets.
