Trump Bans AP from White House Over ‘Gulf of America’ Naming Dispute

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Bente Birkeland
February 19, 2025
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6 minutes read

(Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)

President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will continue barring The Associated Press from covering the Oval Office and Air Force One if the news organization insists on using “certain phrases,” including the term “Gulf of Mexico.” During a Tuesday press conference, Trump was asked if there was any possibility that AP could regain its reporting privileges.

“Well, I do think that some of the phrases that they want to use are ridiculous, and I think, frankly, they’ve become obsolete, especially in the last three weeks, because many things have happened in the last three weeks,” Trump stated. “I would say that if they want to use certain phrases like that, and I guess some are okay, but many aren’t.

But The Associated Press just refuses to go with what the law is and what is taking place.” The president then declared that the widely recognized body of water should now be referred to as the “Gulf of America.” “It’s called the Gulf of America now,” Trump continued. “It’s not called the Gulf of Mexico any longer. I have the right to do it.”

Donald Trump Tuxedo — (Photo by Eva Marie Uzcategui/Getty Images)

“I just say that we’re gonna keep them out until such time as they agree that it’s the Gulf of America,” he added. Trump also criticized AP for its past coverage, claiming, without evidence, that the organization had misrepresented his presidency and Republican policies.

“They’ve been very, very wrong on the election, on Trump and the treatment of Trump, and other things having to do with Trump and Republicans and conservatives,” he complained. “And they’re doing us no favors, and I guess I’m not doing them any favors,” Trump concluded. “That’s the way life works.”

The dispute between the Trump administration and The Associated Press reflects the ongoing tensions between the president and the press, as his administration continues to place restrictions on media organizations critical of his policies.