President Donald Trump, a twinkle in his eye and a “slight tear” in his voice, joked that he was getting emotional as he gazed at a map of the newly designated “Gulf of America” during an Oval Office press event on Tuesday.
“I’m just looking at it—beautiful, really beautiful. I’m getting teary-eyed, but don’t you dare say, ‘Trump broke down and cried,'” he joked while gesturing at the map.
President @realDonaldTrump gets teary eyed looking at the Gulf of America 🤣 pic.twitter.com/HtEah5W9hf
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) February 25, 2025
Trump signed an executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.” While on a flight to New Orleans, he also proclaimed to make February 9 “Gulf of America Day.” The move has created both support and opposition, with the White House firmly supporting the action.
Media Outlets Push Back
Major news outlets, especially the Associated Press (AP), have declined to use the new name, sticking with “Gulf of Mexico” in their stories. The controversy grew more heated when the White House denied access to presidential activities to AP reporters, including briefings on Air Force One flights. The AP took the administration to court, claiming that the restriction contravened the First and Fifth Amendments.
A federal court judge rejected the AP’s plea for an instant injunction, and a hearing has been scheduled in March. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was defending the administration’s position and said, “Questioning the president is a privilege, not a legal right.”
Tech giants have already updated their maps to reflect the change. Apple and Microsoft now display “Gulf of America,” while Google uses the name within U.S. borders but maintains “Gulf of Mexico” in Mexico. Despite this, the AP has remained firm, refusing to alter its editorial policy.
Trump Slams Associated Press
During the briefing, Trump criticized the Associated Press, calling its journalists “radical left” and “third-rate reporters.” He distributed pamphlets titled “Trump Was Right About Everything” and asked reporters if they wanted a copy. The White House press room displayed screens reading “Victory” alongside the new “Gulf of America” sign after the judge’s decision.
Elon Musk, the Department of Government Efficiency chief, stoked the controversy with a mocking tweet at the AP. On X, he posted a photo rebranding the Associated Press as “Associated Propaganda.”
Trump Stands Firm
Despite the court fight, Trump is steadfast. “The Associated Press just won’t go along with what the law is,” he told us, talking about his executive order. While the fight goes on, the name change is already making its way onto government forms and official maps, becoming a part of history.
