Trump White House Bans AP Over “Gulf of America” Dispute – A Battle for Press Freedom

The Trump administration has barred the Associated Press (AP) from exclusive access to both the Oval Office and Air Force One, intensifying ongoing tensions between the White House and the media. The decision follows AP’s refusal to adopt the administration’s controversial renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.”

A Controversial Name Change Sparks Backlash

This dispute began when President Donald Trump, on his first day in office for his second term, signed an executive order mandating that all U.S. government agencies, maps, and official communications refer to the body of water as the Gulf of America. Major technology companies like Google Maps and Apple Maps complied, updating their U.S. versions to reflect the new designation. However, the Associated Press declined to follow suit, arguing that “Gulf of Mexico” is the universally recognized name used in international geography and diplomacy.

The White House responded by revoking AP’s access to the Oval Office and Air Force One, restricting their ability to report from two of the most critical locations in the executive branch.

White House Justifies Ban, Labels AP “Misinformation”

Taylor Budowich, White House Deputy Chief of Staff, publicly announced the decision on February 14, 2025, through a post on X (formerly Twitter). He accused AP of spreading false information by continuing to use the traditional name, despite the executive order.

“The administration has been clear—our maps, policies, and official stance now recognize the Gulf of America,” Budowich stated. “The Associated Press has, unfortunately, chosen to spread misinformation and undermine lawful governmental directives. We are making room for journalists who will report facts, not bias.”

AP and Major Outlets Denounce Restrictions

The Associated Press vehemently condemned the move, calling it a direct assault on press freedom. AP Executive Editor Julie Pace voiced strong opposition, stating, “This is an alarming restriction on independent journalism and a violation of the First Amendment. The press should not be punished for adhering to historically accurate and internationally accepted names.”

Lauren Easton, AP’s Vice President of Corporate Communications, echoed these concerns, adding that the administration’s actions represented “an ongoing effort to control narratives rather than allowing credible journalism to inform the public.”

AP has since sent a formal letter of objection to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, warning that such actions set a dangerous precedent for media-government relations.

Other Major Publications Reject the Name Change

AP is not alone in resisting this directive. Several leading news organizations—including The New York Times, Bloomberg News, Reuters, The New Yorker, and the Los Angeles Times—have refused to adopt the name “Gulf of America” in their reporting.

A spokesperson for The New York Times emphasized the importance of independent journalism, stating, “We rely on widely accepted historical and geographical names. Journalism should adhere to facts, not political mandates.”

Tech Companies Adjust, But Approaches Vary

Despite strong media resistance, major technology firms have altered their platforms to reflect the White House’s directive. Google Maps, for instance, displays “Gulf of America” for users in the United States, but still presents “Gulf of Mexico” in searches made from Mexico. International users see both names. Apple Maps, on the other hand, has fully adopted the administration’s terminology worldwide, mirroring the U.S. government’s official stance.

An Escalating Battle Over Press Independence

This growing standoff represents more than a battle over a name—it is a high-stakes fight over press autonomy and government influence on information. Critics argue that forcing media organizations to follow politically driven language changes resembles state-controlled narratives, undermining journalistic integrity. Meanwhile, the Trump administration insists that adherence to official terminology is necessary for national consistency.

With the Associated Press refusing to back down and other news organizations following suit, this controversy is unlikely to disappear soon. Will the administration extend its restrictions to other outlets that refuse to comply? Or will public backlash and legal pressure force a reconsideration of the decision?

One thing remains clear: this dispute extends far beyond a geographical rename. It strikes at the core of journalism’s role in holding those in power accountable.