Reuters and Bloomberg are collateral damage as AP's battle with White House ratchets up

The AP maintains that it will continue using 'Gulf of Mexico'.

PUBLISHED APR 16, 2025

The dispute stems from the AP’s refusal to adopt Trump’s directive to rename the "Gulf of Mexico" as the "Gulf of America".

Washington D.C.: The Associated Press (AP) has accused aides to President Donald Trump of violating a court order requiring the restoration of the news agency’s full access to White House press events.

In a Wednesday court filing, AP lawyers alleged that the White House continued excluding its journalists from the press pool covering presidential events, despite a ruling by US District Judge Trevor McFadden.

The dispute stems from the AP’s refusal to adopt Trump’s directive to rename the "Gulf of Mexico" as the "Gulf of America". McFadden found the White House likely violated the First Amendment by retaliating against the AP and ordered full access reinstated. However, the White House has appealed the decision, with arguments set for Thursday.

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This week, the White House announced a new policy removing wire services — including AP, Reuters, and Bloomberg — from permanent press pool spots, instead rotating them with about 30 other outlets. The AP called the move a "pretext for further retaliation", while Reuters also condemned the change.

The AP maintains that it will continue using "Gulf of Mexico," citing its 400-year history, while acknowledging Trump’s preferred term.