The Associated Press (AP), one of the world’s most respected news organizations, has been banned from the White House by Donald Trump, a move that top editor Julie Pace warns is an attack on free speech itself.
According to Pace, Trump’s decision to bar AP journalists stems from their refusal to call the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America”, a bizarre attempt at rebranding that has no historical or geographical basis. However, she stresses that this fight is about something much bigger than just a name change.
A Threat to Press Freedom and Free Speech
Speaking on ABC, Pace explained the real danger behind Trump’s actions:
“This is about freedom of speech, and that is a principle, a right that Americans across the political spectrum believe in deeply,” she said.
Trump’s move, she argues, is not just about punishing a single news agency—it’s a warning shot to all independent media. By attempting to dictate the language journalists use, the former president is sending a chilling message: obey or be silenced.
“This is about whether the government can control the language that we use, that ordinary people can use, and it’s about whether the government can retaliate against you if you don’t use the language that they prefer,” she continued.
A History of Attacking the Free Press
Pace is no stranger to Trump’s hostility toward journalists. Before becoming AP’s top editor in 2021, she served as the Washington bureau chief, covering his first term and witnessing his relentless assaults on the press firsthand.
During his presidency, Trump repeatedly called the media “the enemy of the people,” undermined trust in factual reporting, and encouraged hostility toward journalists. His ban on AP is just the latest escalation in his war on independent journalism.
A Legal Battle to Protect the First Amendment
The AP has taken the Trump administration to court, challenging the ban as a direct violation of press freedoms protected under the First Amendment.
“We certainly hope that it results in us being allowed back into cover White House events because we’re there to be the eyes and ears for Americans and people around the world,” Pace stated.
This battle is not just about AP—it’s about defending the right of all news organizations to report freely without fear of government retaliation.
A Call to Action for All Americans
Regardless of political affiliation, Americans who value free speech should stand with the Associated Press. The First Amendment does not belong to any one party—it is the foundation of democracy.
