The White House has banned an Associated Press journalist for using “Gulf of Mexico” instead of “Gulf of America,” sparking controversy.
The White House banned an AP journalist for calling it “Gulf of Mexico” instead of the new name, “Gulf of America.”
This decision has sparked significant debate and criticism regarding press freedom and government censorship.
Gulf Of Mexico name changing sparks heated debate
The controversy began when President Donald Trump signed an executive order during his first day in office, renaming the Gulf of Mexico.
The administration claimed the new name was intended to highlight the economic importance of the region to the United States.
Since then, the White House has encouraged media outlets to adopt this new terminology.
The Associated Press maintains its use of the original name despite the new title.
Their Stylebook states that the Gulf of Mexico has been known by that name for over 400 years and should still be referred to as such.
However, they also note the executive order and Trump’s preference for the new name.
White House bans journalist from entering event after they use the Gulf Of Mexico instead of the Gulf Of America
The incident occurred when the AP journalist attempted to cover two significant events at the White House.
According to reports, the journalist was informed that access to the Oval Office would be limited if they did not use the term “Gulf of America.”
This led to the decision to bar the journalist from the events.
In a letter to the White House Chief of Staff, AP Executive Editor Julie Pace strongly objected to the ban.
She emphasized that the First Amendment protects the media from government retaliation based on the content of their reporting.
The AP Stylebook notes: “Trump’s order only carries authority within the United States. Mexico, as well as other countries and international bodies, do not have to recognize the name change.”
Pace wrote: “The actions taken by the White House were plainly intended to punish the AP for the content of its speech.
“It is among the most basic tenets of the First Amendment that the government cannot retaliate against the public or the press for what they say.”
The response from the White House
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt defended the administration’s actions, claiming that covering the White House is a privilege.
She asserted that journalists must adhere to the standards set by the administration.
Leavitt argued that it is important to hold news outlets accountable for what she termed “lies” being spread.
“It is a privilege to cover this White House.
“Nobody has the right to go into the Oval Office and ask the president of the United States questions. That’s an invitation that is given.”
She added: “I was very upfront in my briefing on day one that if we feel that there are lies being pushed by outlets in this room, we are going to hold those lies accountable.
“And it is a fact that the body of water off the coast of Louisiana is called the Gulf of America. And I’m not sure why news outlets don’t want to call it that.”
Social media reactions
Public reaction to the ban has been mixed.
Some supporters of the administration believe that the White House is justified in its actions, arguing that language matters in political discourse.
Others, however, view the ban as an alarming infringement on free speech.
One usser said: He would implode if they wouldn’t cover him. He craves the attention.
The second user wrote: The world’s largest gulf is between his ears
The third user commented: Its was only called gulf of mexico because that’s what Spain called it.
Gulf of the Americas… would be more accurate.
Another user said: Children usually grow out of their childish behavior, but not always.