In very funny news showing a gradual bending of the DC Establishment knee to President Trump on even minor matters, left-leaning, DC-focused news outlet Axios announced that it would be changing the language it uses and conforming with President Trump’s preferred “Gulf of America” terminology for the body of water formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico.
Such is what Axios announced in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) that followed an Associated Press reporter losing White House press briefing privileges for refusing to use the new term. In the post on X, Axios said it is committed to accurate, fast reporting and thus will use the term so it is accurately informing its generally US-based audience.
Beginning, it said, “Our top priority at Axios is to provide readers with clinical, fact-based reporting.” Continuing, it noted, “Our standard is to use ‘Gulf of America (renamed by U.S. from Gulf of Mexico)’ in our reporting because our audience is mostly U.S.-based compared to other publishers with international audiences.”
Concluding, it referenced the controversy surrounding the AP and wrote, “At the same time, the government should never dictate how any news organization makes editorial decisions. The AP and all news organizations should be free to report as they see fit. This is a bedrock of a free press and durable democracy.”
White House Chief of Staff Taylor Bundowich, posting on X about the AP issue, said, “The Associated Press continues to ignore the lawful geographic name change of the Gulf of America. This decision is not just divisive, but it also exposes the Associated Press’ commitment to misinformation.”
Continuing, he added, “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. Associate Press journalists and photographers will retain their credentials to the White House complex.”
Watch Joy Behar on “The View” freak out about the name change below:
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Those moves come after Trump, in Executive Order 14172, renamed Mount Denali Mount McKinley and changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Describing the reason for the name changes in the order, Trump said, “It is in the national interest to promote the extraordinary heritage of our Nation and ensure future generations of American citizens celebrate the legacy of our American heroes. The naming of our national treasures, including breathtaking natural wonders and historic works of art, should honor the contributions of visionary and patriotic Americans in our Nation’s rich past.”
Then, describing the renaming of the Gulf of America later on, he said, justifying the name change, “The area formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico has long been an integral asset to our once burgeoning Nation and has remained an indelible part of America. The Gulf was a crucial artery for America’s early trade and global commerce. It is the largest gulf in the world, and the United States coastline along this remarkable body of water spans over 1,700 miles and contains nearly 160 million acres. Its natural resources and wildlife remain central to America’s economy today. The bountiful geology of this basin has made it one of the most prodigious oil and gas regions in the world, providing roughly 14% of our Nation’s crude-oil production and an abundance of natural gas, and consistently driving new and innovative technologies that have allowed us to tap into some of the deepest and richest oil reservoirs in the world. The Gulf is also home to vibrant American fisheries teeming with snapper, shrimp, grouper, stone crab, and other species, and it is recognized as one of the most productive fisheries in the world, with the second largest volume of commercial fishing landings by region in the Nation, contributing millions of dollars to local American economies. The Gulf is also a favorite destination for American tourism and recreation activities. Further, the Gulf is a vital region for the multi-billion-dollar U.S. maritime industry, providing some of the largest and most impressive ports in the world.”
Concluding that section by announcing the change of name, he said, “The Gulf will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping America’s future and the global economy, and in recognition of this flourishing economic resource and its critical importance to our Nation’s economy and its people, I am directing that it officially be renamed the Gulf of America.”