White House Bars AP Over Gulf Name

The United States — White House barred an Associated Press reporter from an Oval Office event after the news agency refused to adopt President Donald Trump's decreed name 'Gulf of America' for the Gulf of Mexico. Trump had signed an executive order on January 20, renaming the Gulf of Mexico and also changing Mount United States — Denali back to United States — Denali. The Associated Press, through its executive editor Julie Pace, condemned the United States — White House's action as an unacceptable punishment for independent journalism and a violation of the First Amendment, stating its policy to continue using 'Gulf of Mexico' while acknowledging the new name. The White House Correspondents Association also criticized the move. Meanwhile, Alphabet Inc. and Apple Inc. began incorporating 'Gulf of America' into their services, with Google citing a practice of following the U.S. government's lead. United States — White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration's stance, asserting that Oval Office access is a privilege. The New York Times indicated it would also continue using 'Gulf of Mexico' but would mention Trump's renaming.