(CLO) The Trump administration on Friday announced an indefinite ban on the Associated Press (AP) from entering the Oval Office and Air Force One, after AP refused to use the name "Gulf of America" instead of "Gulf of Mexico".
The White House criticized the AP’s decision and removed its reporters from presidential events over the past week. AP photographers were still allowed to work, though. The administration also confirmed before the trip to Mar-a-Lago on Friday that the AP would not be allowed on Air Force One.
The "America's Bay" sign stands behind President Donald Trump during the swearing-in ceremony for Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC. Photo: GI
Previously, Mr. Trump announced the renaming of this body of water and asked US government agencies to apply it immediately. However, because no other country recognized it, AP still used the name "Gulf of Mexico" in news reports, while noting Mr. Trump's decree.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich said the AP's stance was "divisive and misleading." He said freedom of the press did not guarantee "unfettered access" to areas like the Oval Office and Air Force One. Budowich said the space would be reserved for other journalists instead of the AP.
While the AP retains its White House credentials, the ban on joining the presidential press pool will make it difficult for the agency to report. The AP has been a core member of the White House press pool since the 19th century, when the format was established after the assassination of President James A. Garfield in 1881.
AP has not yet issued an official response, but multiple inside sources say the agency is considering legal action. An unnamed AP employee said "this is a clear example of viewpoint discrimination."
The White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) condemned the decision, calling it a "severe violation of the First Amendment" and contrary to Trump's own executive orders on free speech and federal anti-censorship.
Ngoc Anh (according to CNN, Variety)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/nha-trang-cam-mot-co-quan-bao-chi-vo-thoi-han-vi-su-dung-cum-tu-vinh-mexico-post334658.html
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