An Associated Press journalist was barred from attending an event in the Oval Office on Tuesday after the news organization chose to maintain its reference to the “Gulf of Mexico,” countering President Donald Trump’s directive to rename it the “Gulf of America.”

The White House denied entry to the reporter, whose identity remains undisclosed by AP, unless the agency agreed to change its terminology concerning the Gulf.

“It is concerning that the Trump administration would retaliate against AP for its commitment to independent reporting,” stated AP Executive Editor Julie Pace. She emphasized that restricting access infringes upon the First Amendment rights of the United States, which ensures press freedom.

This past January, Trump signed an executive order instructing the Secretary of the Interior to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.”

According to its style guide, AP maintains that the Gulf has been known as the “Gulf of Mexico” for over four centuries. As an international news agency, AP plans to use the historical name while acknowledging Trump’s proposed designation.

This week, both Google and Apple Maps updated their references to “Gulf of America” for users in the United States. Google cited its “longstanding practice” of aligning with U.S. governmental naming conventions.

Journalism Group Condemns Entry Restrictions

The White House Correspondents’ Association criticized the Trump administration’s actions on Tuesday. The unexpected exclusion could have broader ramifications for free expression in America.

“This decision to block an Associated Press reporter from an official event, which was meant to be accessible for news coverage, is unacceptable,” commented Eugene Daniels, president of the association.

“The White House should not dictate the reporting practices of news organizations, nor penalize journalists for their editorial choices,” Daniels asserted in a statement shared on X.

The Trump administration has yet to comment on the ban preventing the AP reporter from entering. Additionally, there haven’t been reports of other journalists facing similar restrictions at the White House.

Founded in 1846, the Associated Press delivers news in various formats to outlets around the globe.

Edited by: Sean M. Sinico