The White House has restricted Associated Press (AP) reporters from attending Oval Office media sessions after the news organization refused to acknowledge the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, an executive order issued by President Donald Trump.
The decision, which still allows AP to attend regular press briefings, has led to pushback from media figures, particularly CNN’s Kaitlan Collins.
The Trump administration’s decision comes after AP refused to update its reporting to reflect the name change, despite major platforms, including Google Maps, making the adjustment.
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The White House has stated that access to Oval Office press events is by invitation only and that no news outlet is entitled to automatic entry.
At Wednesday’s press briefing, CNN’s Kaitlan Collins pressed White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on the decision.
“Which White House official made the decision to limit the AP’s access?” Collins asked.
Leavitt responded directly, making it clear that no outlet is guaranteed access to the president.
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“Nobody has the right to go into the Oval Office and ask the President of the United States questions. That’s an invitation,” she stated.
Collins followed up by asking whether the White House’s move was “retaliatory” against the AP.
Leavitt dismissed the notion, reiterating that the White House controls media access to presidential events.
WH Press Sec. Karoline Leavitt fires back at CNN’s Kaitlan Collins:
“If outlets in this room push lies, we will hold them accountable.” pic.twitter.com/iJ8nZGlNra
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The decision to limit AP’s access has drawn criticism from some members of the press, who argue it is part of a broader effort by the administration to control media coverage.
However, AP reporters remain able to attend daily White House press briefings, where they can continue to ask questions.
Under Joe Biden, conservative media outlets often faced difficulty obtaining access or receiving questions at press briefings.
The Trump administration, now in its second term, has signaled that it will not accommodate media organizations it believes are acting in bad faith.
Karoline Leavitt has established a reputation for handling tough questions from a press corps largely skeptical of the administration.
Her ability to counter narratives in real time has drawn comparisons to past Republican press secretaries who faced an adversarial press.
During the Biden-Harris administration, press secretaries Jen Psaki and Karine Jean-Pierre often struggled when facing challenging questions, particularly from Fox News’ Peter Doocy, whose exchanges with them frequently went viral.
Leavitt, however, has demonstrated preparedness for media confrontations, standing firm in her responses.
Despite the restrictions, AP reporters will continue to have access to White House press briefings and other events.
It remains unclear whether the White House will reconsider the decision if the AP changes its stance on the “Gulf of America” naming issue.
The Trump administration’s firm stance on media access highlights its broader approach to press relations, prioritizing direct messaging over traditional media gatekeepers.
With Leavitt leading the daily press briefings, the administration is expected to continue pushing back against what it views as biased reporting.
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