Trump threatens to limit AP access over ‘Gulf of America’ naming dispute
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to limit access for the Associated Press (AP) to White House events and briefings if the news agency does not replace the term “Gulf of Mexico” with “Gulf of America.”
According to a report from IRNA on Wednesday, Trump emphasized that until AP reporters use the new name preferred by his administration, they would be barred from covering official events.
The White House had previously restricted access to some of AP’s press briefings, but this is the first time the U.S. President himself has directly responded to the issue.
It is reported that shortly after the beginning of his second term, Trump made a controversial move by changing the name of a region of international waters that had been known for centuries as the “Gulf of Mexico” to the “Gulf of America.”
Amid these tensions, the White House has not only banned AP reporters and photographers from attending some press events but has also denied them the right to travel with the presidential plane.
This action is part of Trump’s broader policy of taking a tough stance against media outlets that do not align with his views. In recent days, the White House also prevented AP reporters from attending a meeting with the Prime Minister of India, an action observers have described as an unprecedented restriction on media freedom in the United States.
President Trump’s direct interference with the Associated Press over the naming dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the administration and media organizations. This escalating conflict underscores the broader challenges to press freedom in the U.S.
The implications of such actions could have long-term effects on the relationship between the media and the government, raising concerns about the future of journalistic independence and transparency in the country.
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