Name game: How a geographic dispute got AP banned from Air Force One

In an unprecedented move, the White House has restricted Associated Press access over the news agency’s refusal to adopt “Gulf of America” as the new name for the Gulf of Mexico. Here’s what you need to know about this escalating dispute:

The restrictions

The White House has banned AP from:

• The Oval Office
• Air Force One
• Presidential news conferences
• Cabinet swearing-in ceremonies

The reason

White House officials cite AP’s editorial stance on geographic naming:

• AP continues using “Gulf of Mexico” in its reporting
• White House calls this “misinformation”
• Press office claims “Gulf of America” is now the “lawful” name
• AP maintains global audience needs recognizable geography

Official positions

The battle lines are clearly drawn:

• White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt calls AP’s usage “lies”
• AP Executive Editor Julie Pace terms the ban “deeply troubling”
• Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich cites “limited spaces” justification
• AP protests but maintains its editorial stance

Access implications

The restrictions come with some caveats:

• AP reporters retain White House complex credentials
• Ban focuses on “intimate areas” of administration
• Other news outlets will fill vacated pool positions
• AP’s letter to Chief of Staff remains unanswered

What happens next

The standoff continues as:

• AP pledges to maintain current geographic naming
• White House promises to “hold those lies accountable”
• AP protests through official channels
• Administration opens spaces to other reporters

Read more:

• <a rel=”noopener” href=”https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/feb/14/grounded-white-house-expands-associated-press-ban-/” target=”blank”>Grounded: White House expands Associated Press ban over Gulf of America dispute