President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of the Associated Press (AP) after a federal judge denied the news organization’s request to restore its White House access. The dispute centers on the AP’s refusal to adopt the administration’s directive to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.”
In a recent statement from the Oval Office, President Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the AP, stating, “AP has been terrible. I think they’re radical Left. I think they’re third-rate reporters.” He further emphasized that the AP had “no right” to continue using the term “Gulf of Mexico” after the official renaming.
President Trump roasts Fake News @AP: “I think they’re Radical Left. I think they’re third-rate reporters … They don’t treat us fairly.” pic.twitter.com/9fZsAhDHLb
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 25, 2025
The controversy began when the AP chose to retain the traditional name “Gulf of Mexico” in its reporting, despite an executive order mandating the use of “Gulf of America.” This decision led the White House to bar AP journalists from certain events, including access to the Oval Office and Air Force One.
The AP filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging that the restrictions violated First Amendment rights. However, U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden ruled against the AP’s request for a temporary restraining order, stating that the organization could obtain information through pool coverage and had not demonstrated “irreparable harm.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration’s actions, asserting that press access to areas like the Oval Office and Air Force One is a privilege, not a right. She stated, “We stand by our decision to hold the Fake News accountable for their lies.”
The AP has maintained its stance, emphasizing the importance of editorial independence and expressing concern over governmental attempts to influence journalistic content. The organization continues to refer to the body of water as the “Gulf of Mexico,” while noting the administration’s position.
This dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and media organizations over issues of press freedom and governmental authority in dictating media terminology.
The post Trump Rips The AP After Victory Over ‘Gulf Of America’ appeared first on Real News Now.
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