Former President Trump's decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" continues to generate controversy, particularly regarding the Associated Press's (AP) access to White House events. Trump announced the renaming initiative early in his presidency, alongside reverting Alaska's Denali back to Mt. McKinley.

The AP faced restrictions after refusing to adopt the "Gulf of America" term, citing its long-standing usage and global recognition of "Gulf of Mexico." The news agency argued that while Trump had the authority to rename landmarks, altering established geographical names presented different considerations, especially for international audiences.

The AP's stance led to its reporter being barred from an Oval Office event, prompting a statement from AP Executive Editor Julie Pace. Pace expressed concern over the administration's actions, characterizing them as a potential infringement on the First Amendment and the public's access to independent reporting. The White House Correspondents' Association echoed these sentiments, calling for a reversal of the access restrictions.

Despite the controversy, organizations like Google Maps and the FAA have started incorporating the "Gulf of America" designation, reflecting the complexities of adapting to such changes. Trump further emphasized the new name by declaring February 9th "Gulf of America Day," coinciding with his visit to Super Bowl LIX.

The incident involving the AP underscores the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and certain media outlets, raising questions about journalistic independence and access to information.