White House Blocks AP From Covering Event Over Gulf of Mexico Name Dispute
The Associated Press (AP) was barred from covering an official event at the White House because it did not refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.
AP Executive Editor Julie Pace criticized the decision, stating that it violated the First Amendment and severely impeded the public’s access to independent news.
New Executive Order and Gulf of America
President Trump signed an executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America, citing its critical importance to the nation’s economy and people.
Reaction from the US Geological Service and Map Providers
The U.S. Geological Service has officially adopted the new name, while Apple and Google Maps call it Gulf of America for users based in the U.S.
International Recognition
Mexico and other countries do not have to recognize the name change, as Trump’s order only carries authority within the United States.
Support for the AP
Other news organizations, including Politico and the White House Correspondents’ Association, offered support for the AP, condemning the White House’s decision.
Previous Incidents
The move by the White House is in line with other actions against the press, such as the Pentagon dislodging eight news organizations from their work stations and Trump filing lawsuits against ABC News, Facebook, and CBS.
Pentagon Dislodges News Organizations, Trump Files Lawsuits, and FCC Investigations
The Pentagon has removed eight news organizations from their work stations, replacing them with conservative and right-wing sites. Trump has filed lawsuits against ABC News, Facebook, and CBS, and the FCC has opened investigations into ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, and NPR.
