On Feb 11, the White House Correspondents' Association expressed opposition to the White House's decision to exclude an Associated Press reporter from an event with the President. This action was taken because the news agency refused to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, as directed by President Trump in January.
Eugene Daniels, the association's president, emphasized that the White House should not control how news is reported or penalize journalists based on editorial choices. He criticized the administration's move to restrict access to the event for the AP reporter. Likewise, AP's Executive Editor, Julie Pace, condemned the administration's attempt to influence their editorial standards, labeling it as an attack on independent journalism, protected by the First Amendment.
The AP stands by its decision to refer to the Gulf of Mexico by its historical name, citing its stylebook which maintains consistency with over 400 years of naming tradition. Despite acknowledging Trump's desired name change, the AP asserts its commitment to journalistic integrity.
The White House and Mexico's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the statements made by the WHCA and AP.
Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum humorously suggested renaming North America, including the U.S., to honor historical cartography. Most news outlets, Reuters included, identify the body of water as the Gulf of Mexico, but disclose Trump's executive order when relevant.