AP Insists on Using 'Gulf of Mexico' Instead of 'American Gulf'
Trump's Favoritism Toward Certain Media Outlets Becomes More Evident
AP News, which was restricted from accessing the White House and banned from the presidential office for refusing to change the designation of the Gulf of Mexico to the 'American Gulf,' has filed a lawsuit against the White House.
On the 21st (local time), AP News announced that it had filed a lawsuit in the Washington DC District Court to lift the reporting restrictions against three officials of the Donald Trump administration. The defendants are Susie Wiles, White House Chief of Staff; Taylor Budowich, Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications and Personnel; and Caroline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary. The case was assigned to Judge Trevor McFadden, who was appointed by President Trump.
AP stated, "The press and everyone in the United States have the right to choose their own expressions without retaliation from the government," and claimed, "The White House is attempting unconstitutional media control." It further urged immediate correction, saying, "The attack on AP's news production and editorial independence violates the core of the First Amendment." The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of the press.
On January 20th, the day of his inauguration, President Trump signed an executive order to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the American Gulf. However, AP declared it would continue to use the name Gulf of Mexico, which has been officially used for over 400 years. In response, the White House imposed restrictions on AP, banning them from the presidential office and the presidential aircraft.
Some speculate that while the White House publicly cites the Gulf of Mexico designation as the reason for the reporting restrictions, the underlying issue is the progressive AP's 'stylebook.' According to the complaint, Chief of Staff Wiles sent an email to AP requesting a revision of the Gulf of Mexico designation in the stylebook. She reportedly pointed out that "the influence of the stylebook has sometimes been misused and weaponized to push divisive and partisan agendas."
Earlier, Deputy Chief of Staff Budowich told Axios, "This is not just about the American Gulf," adding, "The issue concerns AP weaponizing language through its stylebook to impose a biased worldview that contradicts the traditional and deeply rooted beliefs of Americans and people worldwide."
Meanwhile, on the 20th, the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) protested the reporting restrictions against AP as unfair through a letter. At least 40 media organizations signed the letter, including conservative outlets Fox News and Newsmax. The letter reportedly stated, "The First Amendment prohibits the government from influencing the editorial decisions of news organizations, and any attempt to punish journalists regarding editorial decisions is unconstitutional."
President Trump has continued to show favoritism toward certain media outlets, offering Fox News the first exclusive interview opportunity and handing over letters left by former President Joe Biden. The White House is also in conflict with the American broadcaster CNN. When asked a question by Kaitlan Collins, CNN's 9 PM news anchor, President Trump retorted, "Who watches CNN?" and openly mocked, "CNN is Biden's friend. They have lost credibility."
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