Trump: AP White House access restricted until they use "Gulf of America"

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: Axios

Updated 11 hours ago


President Trump told Axios' Marc Caputo on Tuesday that he will continue to restrict the Associated Press' access to the White House "until such time as they agree that it's the Gulf of America."

Why it matters: Trump has targeted the AP, which has said it will continue to use the 400-year-old Gulf of Mexico instead of Trump's preferred Gulf of America, as part of longstanding Republican complaints about the AP Stylebook's language guides around race, gender, and immigration.

Trump has limited AP reporters' access to the White House and Air Force One over the dispute.

Driving the news: "The Associated Press just refuses to go with what the law is and what has taken place, it's called the 'Gulf of America' now," Trump told Axios during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday.

"It's not called the Gulf of Mexico any longer. … We're going to keep them out until such time they agree that it's the Gulf of America."

What they're saying: AP spokesperson Lauren Easton said in a statement addressing Trump's comments "this is about the government telling the public and press what words to use and retaliating if they do not follow government orders."

Easton said the White House "has restricted AP's coverage of presidential events because of how we refer to a location."

She added: "The Associated Press has provided critical and independent coverage of the White House for over 100 years," Easton added.

Read more: https://www.axios.com/2025/02/18/trump-gulf-of-mexico-associated-press

---

An E.O. is not "a law". It's the Executive Branch's declaration/directive for how an existing law will be carried out by the agencies in that Branch.

[Walleye]

1. Text book Orwell. Why do they need access? He shoots off his mouth constantly.

[travelingthrulife]

9. No one should show up. What's the point? He will just lie anyway.

[Walleye]

11. I agree. He shouldn't even have been administered the oath of office. We know he's lying.

I believe that civilization itself is hanging by a thread right now. All because American citizens were too lazy to participate in their own government.

[speak easy]

16. No Democrat should have been on that stage

to lend a sheen of legitimacy to his perjury/

[dem4decades]

30. Haha, those White House reporters are too concerned about their own access to do anything unselfish.

[NYC Liberal]

65. That's what would happen in a functioning democracy

Wish we had one

[bucolic_frolic]

2. Renaming everything to suit oneself is the Gulf of Pomposity

or Stupidity, depending on how you see it.

Hope AP hangs firm even if it takes 4 years.

[Buddyzbuddy]

3. It seems as though the AP might be a source to trust

when it comes to writing about the Whitehouse since it won't be reporting on behalf of the Felon. Others could take a lesson.

[multigraincracker]

4. Bookmarking for my go to news source.

[jmowreader]

5. Easy way to fix this

"Neither the Associated Press nor its 1700 member newspapers and over 5000 broadcast news outlets will publish positive news about this administration until it reverts to referring to the body of water in question as the Gulf of Mexico."

[groundloop]

8. To be honest, that wouldn't take any effort at all...... there's zero 'positive' news about tRump anyway.

[Best_man23]

10. Or, one step better

Announce the formation of a new Investigative news branch, with particular focus on the activities of the Convicted Felon's Junta and the business dealings of Leon Musk, the Federalist Society, the Heritage Foundation, and every group responsible for the Project 2025.

[serbbral]

31. New Investigative news branch

Now you know he will only dismantle this new news branch just like he's been firing people or dismantling agencies. However, I think it's a good idea.

[Best_man23]

68. How can he dismantle an investigative branch owned by a news organization?

The AP is an Independent news organization and is NOT part of the Federal or State government.

[serbbral]

71. Well

"How can he dismantle an investigative branch owned by a news organization?" How has he been able to do all the things he has done so far? He seems to be able to do everything he wants. Unfortunately, he'll find a way.

[mpcamb]

6. Stay petty, Donnie. Nobody will notice the collapsing walls aound you.

[Hieronymus Phact]

7. nothing says "freedom of speech"

Like ordering news agencies to print what you want.

[Bo Zarts]

12. Petulance, thy name is Trump.

[maxsolomon]

45. It's far more sinister than petulance.

They are forcing the press to compromise itself, to accept that reality is what the dictator says it is.

Orwellian is what this is.

[hadEnuf]

13. Every press agency should walk out in support of AP.

But it's unlikely the whore press would ever do that.

[tanyev]

14. Oh no! They'll miss out on the barrage of lies that occurs at every press conference.

Maybe that will free them up to do more significant reporting.

[Paladin]

15. Hang tough, AP.

The more trump makes a public issue of this, the more petty and stupid he looks. Gulf of Mexico forever.

[SergeStorms]

61. Apparently, petty and stupid.......

are what the majority of Americans want right now. You know, because of....."Murca." 🇺🇸

Being respected on the world stage is SO twentieth century.

[JohnSJ]

17. The disgrace is that NO OTHER NEWS OUTLET is standing with AP on this. They are agreeing with the "blacklisting" of a

media organization, and the other news outlets are effectively going along with it.

When the fascists come for them if they publish a negative story about trump, who do they think will speak up for them.

I think it would be wise for Europe, Canada, Mexico, and all countries that the sociopath is pushing trade wars against them, to unite with their own trade agreement which excluded the U.S.

If they give in to this thug, the next time will be even worse.

[Joinfortmill]

18. Sign up for AP newsletters. They're free.

Last edited Wed Feb 19, 2025, 12:22 PM - Edit history (1)

[William Seger]

19. I say, fuck 'em -- go cover stuff that nobody else is

[SergeStorms]

62. Such as the truth.

Because we're sure as hell not getting any of that from The Big Orange Fascist Pig.

[johnnyfins]

20. Whay cant they just take it to court?

Didnt TSF try this bullshit with Jim Acosta the first time around? He won if memory serves me correct.

[bluestarone]

39. Exactly!!

It's OUR fucking White House!! EVERY Democrat should show up there with the Media!! This BULLSHIT needs headlines!!

[cstanleytech]

21. First amendment violation.

[Oberon Vale]

22. Dear Trump. Get back in your fucking hole!

The Associated Press has spent over a century holding presidents accountable, reporting the hard facts, and exposing the truth without bending the knee to any political fucking hack. And that includes this screaming lunatic who wants to reshape reality just because it doesn’t kiss his bloated orange ass.

Let’s be clear—this Gulf of America nonsense is nothing more than a dictator’s test run. First, he tells the press what words to use. Then, he shuts out anyone who refuses. This is how authoritarianism spreads—one petty, pathetic decree at a time. And Trump knows it. That’s why he’s targeting the AP—because he can’t control them, can’t buy them, can’t bully them into submission.

So now, like the thin-skinned coward he’s always been, he’s stomping his feet and trying to punish real journalism for refusing to play along with his fantasy world.

The reality? Trump is a fucking liar. Always has been, always will be. And the AP isn’t going to start printing his make-believe bullshit just because he demands it.

So, Donnie, keep screaming, keep blacklisting, keep throwing your petulant, dictator-wannabe tantrums. At the end of the day, history will remember you as a nazi ass looser and a joke, and the Associated Press will still be here, doing its job—reporting the truth, whether you like it or not.

[Blues Heron]

26. nailed it

great post, thanks

[Playingmantis]

23. Just shows how petty the man is..

and how petty half of America is for supporting him..

[keroro gunsou]

24. time to engage my passive/aggressive mode

call it the Gulf of the Americas, and emphasis the hell out of the plurality of it all since it borders all three Americas.... technically. 2 for certain.

i know, why humor the huge, orange manbaby... because once he figures out what's being said, he'll be launching food at the walls post-haste... granted, it might take him a while, since i for one do not rate him very highly on ANY legit test of observation and intelligence.

[YoshidaYui]

25. Maybe we should call it

THE GULF OF THE Donald

Or Elon Gulf

Too big for their egos????

[Dave Bowman]

27. How mature of him.

[DoBW]

28. Gulf of Who gives a fvck

amazing the press corps still eating trump's sh/t

[City Lights]

29. Baby talk, baby talk. It's a wonder he can walk.

What an embarrassment to this once-great nation.

[wiggs]

32. 2 + 2 5. It's a test. I hope MSM, magats, and gop wake up in time to stop the deification. nt

[hay rick]

33. Access restricted until they change his diaper.

[twodogsbarking]

34. You can chop my head off but I ain't gonna call it what some imbecile wants.

[Attilatheblond]

35. Any/all press outlets who would agree to this are NOT involved in journalism

They are merely stenographers. Just say no to reading anything the stenographers 'report'. Do not support propaganda by the 'Fourth Estate'.

[turbinetree]

36. The 34 count convict doesn't follow any stinking laws.............JFC........

pretty soon he will tell everyone what day to to take a shower ............... what a small fucking mind........

[wolfie001]

37. All legitimate news orgs should boycott now!!!

Just report on all of the misdeeds of this nazi administration every day. Cover everything. Do it for people that care about honesty and integrity here and abroad.

[LeftInTX]

41. They should all use Gulf of Mexico!

[wolfie001]

43. In unison!!!

[DFW]

38. I wish they would stop using his title, too

Just his name. Or, better yet, restrict reporting about him altogether. If it's something of national or international importance, that's one thing, but writing a headling every time he sneezes is what got us TFG 2.0 in the first place. Publicity is his oxygen. Make him gasp for air a bit.

[Rhiannon12866]

67. That's what I've been doing, since he's constitutionally prohibited from holding public office

And with his unprecedented and illegal behavior, I just can't make myself use the same title as every POTUS in my lifetime. I watch a lot of MSNBC and I've noticed that they rarely use the title, either.

[sakabatou]

40. WTAF? This is just... being an asshole!

[Initech]

42. Fuck Trump and fuck the Gulf Of America!

Trump is not a dictator. He can go shove all of his stupid and evil executive orders straight up his worthless ass!

[Wild blueberry]

44. OK, Dems, here's your chance: hold press briefings every day and invite AP

Fight! We have enough great people to step up each day. Make our own news.
Thank you.

[ificandream]

46. Good for the Associated Press. It has been knowing the world a lot longer than The Apprentice president has.

[rzemanfl]

47. Can they do it in a ridiculous font?

We live in a clown show.

[chouchou]

48. Isn't there a 10 mile limit? ..or something like that?

[ReRe]

49. He's using EOs as Edicts, thus by-passing Congress

He thinks he's a KING. Maybe he thinks he's GOD. Or perhaps a KING ordained/divined by GOD.
He needs to get it into his head that he is a mere President. None of the above.
Does this country have to put up with this shite for 4 long years? Someone or something
needs to put him in his place. Before we know it, he'll change the name of the Gulf of
Mexico to the Gulf of Trump!
And as far as he Associated Press goes, he doesn't have the right to tell the AP they can't
be present. They are a member of the White House Press Corp, for God's sake! What's up
with them? They should all boycott his press conferences leaving him there with no
LIGHTS and CAMERAS!

[Bluetus]

50. THIS is the problem with all of the legacy media today.

WTF is "access"?

The "privilege" of being in the room when they are lying?
The "right" to occasionally get to ask questions they won't answer?

Maybe these things are good for the wegos of the people who want to call themselves "professional journalists" But it isn't journalism. It is the OPPOSITE of journalism. It is allowing yourself to be used as props.

If something requires "access", then it is not news. It is propaganda.

Get out of Trump's goat rodeo and go out and report on some real news for a change.

[sop]

51. AP should change their Stylebook, require reporters to use "President Musk" whenever referring to Elon.

[evemac]

52. He's a 5 year old nt

[Evolve Dammit]

53. He is the total toddler, and arrested development ensured he not mature. Fractured early and dangerous now.

[Scrivener7]

54. Fine. He does nothing but lie anyway. AP'll have more time to report the truth about him.

EVERYONE should say, "Fine, we won't go to your lie-spewing press conferences."

When did ANYONE ever learn anything useful at one of the felon's press conferences?

If they had ALL told him where to stuff it, it would have stopped him in his tracks. What recourse could he have had other than banning them from the lie-fests?

[SWBTATTReg]

55. We should all have a Gulf of Mexico day here in the states and celebrate it! Rub it in.

[tornado34jh]

56. Well, it's no secret that the most of the media has been bowing down to Trump really since 2016.

The reality is, most of the media has been bought. How many news outlets can you say aren't bought by billionaires?

Also, the AP is right, it has always been the Gulf of Mexico. It's been that way even before the US was even a sovereign state. The name quite literally means "Gulf of the Mexica people". This of course referred to the Aztec people when Spanish explorers arrived in Mexico. So the US doesn't own the original name because it didn't exist at the time it was named. Also, America originally meant what is now South America. Later on, it went on to include North America, and hence the name of the Americas (i.e. North and South America). That occurred in 1538 when Geraldus Mercator named it. All this was before the US was even an independent country. Also, the idiots don't understand that by that logic, Italy then would have a claim that the US should be part of Italy since it was named after Amerigo Vespucci.

[struggle4progress]

57. AP feud IS a hill to die on

Sam Stein is joined by Chuck Todd to discuss the Trump administration indefinitely banning the Associated Press from the Oval Office and Air Force One over use of ‘Gulf of Mexico.’

[mwb970]

58. This is our president. Unbelievable.

[ancianita]

59. Like the AP cares? Like they'll fight for access to WH LIES? Puh-lease. Being denied access to lies is a badge of honor

[WhiteCheek69]

60. Reminds me of a ST;TNG episode

"How many lights do you see?"

[BumRushDaShow]

66. ...

And IIRC, Amnesty International was involved with that episode (or at least consulted/commented on it).

[WhiteCheek69]

69. Thank you!

I am not as tech savvy as most and I do thank you for posting the climatic scene from that episode.

[BumRushDaShow]

70. I am a Trekkie... so...

That was one of the few (non-DS9) episodes that touched on "military structure". Ep was "Chain of Command". And it featured one of what became a couple appearances of David Warner on Trek - in this case as the Cardassian Gul Madred.

Warner was in STVI: "The Undiscovered Country" as the Klingon Chancellor Gorkon (with Christopher Plummer as Chang) -

(I think my earliest memory of Warner was his demise in the move "The Omen" )

[sakabatou]

63. Fuck Dump and his fragile ego!

[Montauk6]

64. GULF OF MEXICO

GULF OF MEXICO GULF OF MEXICO GULF OF MEXICO GULF OF MEXICO GULF OF MEXICO....