President Donald Trump’s White House has escalated its feud with The Associated Press by threatening to bar the organization’s reporters from traveling on Air Force One. The conflict, condemned by the White House Correspondents’ Association, began over AP’s decision to disregard the president’s renaming of the Gulf of Mexico as the ‘Gulf of America.’
The Feud Unfolds
The dispute intensified when Trump’s deputy chief of staff, Taylor Budowich, criticized AP for not recognizing the renaming, calling it ‘divisive’ and accusing the organization of spreading misinformation.
New Restrictions Imposed
In response, the White House announced new restrictions on AP journalists’ access to exclusive areas like the Oval Office and Air Force One. Despite retaining their credentials, AP reporters faced obstacles in covering important events.
Further Tensions
As tensions rose, AP reporters were barred from several press conferences and pool availabilities, leading to criticism from press associations and concerns over press freedom.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s invitations to select media outlets raised questions about impartiality, contrasting with the AP’s exclusion.
Call for Action
The AP and WHCA condemned the White House’s actions, emphasizing the importance of press freedom and calling for an end to discriminatory practices.
Despite the controversy, the AP remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering unbiased news to a global audience.
