On February 15, 2025, the Trump administration denied Associated Press (AP) reporters access to the White House press pool in West Palm Beach, Florida. This decision follows a recent ban on AP journalists from key areas such as the Oval Office and Air Force One due to the outlet’s refusal to acknowledge a name change of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
- AP reporters denied access to White House press pool
- Reuters supports AP against coverage restrictions
- White House bans AP from key locations
- Gulf of Mexico renamed to Gulf of America
- WHCA criticizes White House's exclusion decision
- AP has been part of press pool since 1846
The situation escalated when the White House announced that all AP reporters would be excluded from significant spaces following their refusal to comply with the administration’s geographic name change. Taylor Budowich, Deputy Chief of Staff, stated that while AP retains its credentials, access to limited spaces will be opened up to other journalists. He argued that this decision was necessary due to what he termed “irresponsible” reporting by AP.
Reuters publicly supported AP in response to these restrictions. Their statement emphasized that journalists should have unimpeded access to report independently and without intimidation. The White House Correspondents Association also condemned the action, labeling it unacceptable and asserting that News organizations should not face penalties for editorial decisions made by their editors.
The Associated Press is a longstanding global news organization founded in 1846 and has been part of the White House press pool comprising 13 members who regularly cover presidential activities. The ongoing dispute raises concerns about press freedom and governmental influence over media coverage.
This incident highlights tensions between government administrations and media organizations regarding coverage practices. As debates over press freedoms continue, both journalists and advocacy groups are calling for transparency and accountability in government interactions with the press.
