The White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) has condemned the Trump administration for barring an Associated Press (AP) reporter from a presidential event over the news agency’s refusal to adopt the term “Gulf of America” instead of “Gulf of Mexico”.
The White House on Tuesday denied access to an AP journalist at an Oval Office event with President Donald Trump, following the news agency’s decision to continue referring to the body of water as the Gulf of Mexico despite Trump’s recent executive order to rename it.
📢 “The White House cannot dictate how news organizations report the news, nor should it penalize working journalists because it is unhappy with their editors' decisions,” said WHCA President Eugene Daniels in a statement on X.
Daniels called the move “unacceptable”, warning that press freedom should not be compromised based on editorial decisions.
AP Responds to White House Ban
AP Executive Editor Julie Pace said the White House made it clear that the reporter would only be allowed access if the agency complied with Trump’s order.
📢 "It is alarming that the Trump administration would punish AP for its independent journalism," Pace said, calling the action a violation of the First Amendment.
The AP Stylebook states that the Gulf of Mexico has held its name for over 400 years, and the agency will continue to use it while acknowledging Trump’s renaming decision.
White House, Mexico Yet to Respond
The White House has not commented on the WHCA and AP’s statements. Mexico’s foreign ministry also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum previously joked in January that if Trump renamed the Gulf of Mexico, North America could be renamed “Mexican America”, referencing historic maps of the region.
Most global news agencies, including Reuters, continue to refer to the body of water as the Gulf of Mexico, though some include context on Trump's executive order when relevant.
President Trump called on countries to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Starmer said the UK is working with allies to restore naviga...
Senior officials from the United States and China met in Paris this week for a new round of trade talks, as the world’s two largest economies...
Court documents released on Monday (16 March) revealed that the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) ...
Governments around the world are responding cautiously to U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for countries to send naval ships to the Strait ...
Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea on Friday (13 March), according to Poland’s Operational...
Governments around the world are responding cautiously to U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for countries to send naval ships to the Strait of Hormuz to protect commercial shipping and help restore the flow of global oil supplies.
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials launched a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday (15 March) to resolve issues in their trade truce. The discussions aim to smooth the way for U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of March.
Israeli forces killed a Palestinian father, mother, and two of their children as they drove in the occupied West Bank on Sunday (15 March), Palestinian health authorities said, and the Israeli military said the incident was under review.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test-launch of 12 600mm-calibre multiple rocket launchers on Saturday (14 March), state media KCNA said, after the United States and South Korea this week launched their annual large-scale military drills in South Korea.
Iran says it is open to talks with countries seeking safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz - disrupted by recent attacks - as Israel continues to launch wide‑scale strikes on Iranian infrastructure in the west. This live report tracks the latest developments.
President Trump called on countries to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Starmer said the UK is working with allies to restore navigation and stabilise oil markets. It comes as a strike near Iraq’s western border killed several Hashed al-Shaabi fighters, raising regional tensions.
The other evening, I was fuelling my car at a petrol station in Kenya’s capital. It was one of those small moments most motorists barely notice. The attendant filled the tank, I glanced at the pump price, paid, and drove off.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 15 March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials launched a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday (15 March) to resolve issues in their trade truce. The discussions aim to smooth the way for U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of March.
Senior officials from the United States and China met in Paris this week for a new round of trade talks, as the world’s two largest economies attempt to manage their economic rivalry and avoid further tensions.
Court documents released on Monday (16 March) revealed that the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has asked a U.S. judge to dismiss President Donald Trump's $10 billion defamation suit over a 2024 documentary, arguing his re-election proves the edited 2021 speech did not harm his reputation.
Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea on Friday (13 March), according to Poland’s Operational Command.
Russia has imposed a fine of 35 million roubles (around $432,366) on the messaging platform Telegram for failing to remove content deemed illegal by the authorities, according to the Interfax news agency.
Madagascar's president, Michael Randrianirina announced the appointment of anti-corruption chief Mamitiana Rajaonarison as prime minister, six days after dismissing the previous premier along with the entire cabinet.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment