Controversy as White House bans AP from working in Oval Office

(CLO) The Associated Press (AP) reported that it was banned by the White House from attending an executive order signing event in the Oval Office on Tuesday. The reason is that AP used the phrase "Gulf of Mexico" instead of "Gulf of America" in its articles.

“It is alarming that the Trump administration is punishing the AP for its independent journalism,” AP Editor-in-Chief Julie Pace said in a statement.

“Restricting access to our Oval Office based on the content of the AP’s speech not only severely impedes the public’s right to independent news, but is also a clear violation of the First Amendment — one of the most important parts of the U.S. Constitution that protects freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and freedom of religion.”

An AP reporter was blocked from the Oval Office on Tuesday. (Photo: GI)

The AP said it uses the name "Gulf of Mexico" as a widely recognized and historically used name, and acknowledges that the Trump administration has introduced a new name, "Gulf of America." However, it does not require other news organizations to follow this new name.

The reason given by AP is that the name "Gulf of Mexico" has been used for more than 400 years and is recognized by many countries and international organizations. Changing this name could cause confusion and difficulty in communication and information exchange.

The White House Correspondents’ Association called the White House’s actions “unacceptable.” WHCA President Eugene Daniels issued a statement about the White House barring AP reporters from an official event. Daniels said:

"The White House cannot dictate how news organizations report, nor should it punish working journalists for being unhappy with editorial decisions. The administration's action in barring a reporter from The Associated Press from an official event open to the press today is unacceptable."

During his first term as president, the Trump White House revoked the press credentials of then-CNN reporter Jim Acosta after a controversial press conference. The White House later restored the credentials after CNN filed a lawsuit.

Phan Anh (according to AP, CNN)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/tranh-cai-xung-quanh-viec-nha-trang-cam-phong-vien-ap-tac-nghiep-tai-phong-bau-duc-post334328.html