The Trump administration banned the Associated Press (A.P.) over issues of the news agency using the name the Gulf of Mexico after the executive order placed by President Trump changed its name to the Gulf of America.
Many news agencies, ranging from the New York Times to CNN to Fox News to Newsmax, aren’t satisfied with the outcome of this ban and believe that the A.P should not be barred from the White House, supporting the A.P.’s right to determine which name to use. In a letter sent from the news organizations to the White House stated, “The First Amendment prohibits the government from asserting control over how news organizations make editorial decisions.”
A.P. stated that it would continue using the Gulf of Mexico as it has an international audience, and a majority of the world still refers to the body of water, which is in international waters, as such. However, A.P. stated it will now call Mount Denali by the name Mount McKinley, after another executive order signed by President Trump, as the mountain is solely on American soil.
The ban also bars A.P. from presidential events, including being allowed on Air Force One. Trump has been reported to say that “We’re going to keep them out until such time as they agree that it’s the Gulf of America.”
The A.P. is a news organization that is one of the biggest and most respected in the world. With its influence, it helps many smaller news sources get necessary information for their articles. On top of this, as a not-for-profit organization, it’s not government owned and should not be penalized for using their freedom of speech.
When trying to appeal the decision from the Trump administration, a federal judge denied reversing the ban and denied the emergency motion to restore the A.P reporters and photographers. The attorney for the A.P., argued that the A.P’s reporters and photographers have been “unable to report first-hand” on what is happening regarding any presidential events.
As the organization should, The A.P. reported that they will continue to fight to end the ban enacted by the White House, with the second hearing scheduled to take place on March 20. Hopefully, the A.P. continues to have a show of support from the multiple other news outlets across the political spectrum.
