White House bars Associated Press from spaces like Oval Office and Air Force One

The White House is barring all Associated Press journalists from accessing spaces such as the Oval Office and Air Force One, a top White House official announced Friday, after the White House shut the AP out of the Oval Office and a formal news conference earlier in the week. 

The decision to limit AP's access stems from its decision not to recognize the Trump administration's name change from Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America on federal maps, websites and documents. Instead, the White House says it will open AP's spot in the White House press pool to other reporters. 

"The Associated Press continues to ignore the lawful geographic name change of the Gulf of America," wrote White House deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich. "This decision is not just divisive, but it also exposes the Associated Press' commitment to misinformation. While their right to irresponsible and dishonest reporting is protected by the First Amendment, it does not ensure their privilege of unfettered access to limited spaces, like the Oval Office and Air Force One. Going forward, that space will now be opened up to the many thousands of reporters who have been barred from covering these intimate areas of the administration. Associated Press journalists and photographers will retain their credentials to the White House complex."