Tensions between the Trump White House and the press are reaching a fever pitch after the president banned The Associated Press from Air Force One and the Oval Office over its refusal to use the term “Gulf of America” in reference to the body of water previously known in the United States as the Gulf of Mexico.

Tim Richardson, program director for journalism disinformation at PEN America called the White House’s move against AP “retribution, plain and simple, and a shameful attempt to bully the press into ideological compliance.”

In its most recent statement on the saga, a spokesperson for the Associated Press indicated to The Hill it has no intention of changing its style to appease the White House.

“Freedom of speech is a pillar of American democracy and a core value of the American people. The White House has said it supports these principles,” the spokesperson said. “The actions taken to restrict AP’s coverage of presidential events because of how we refer to a geographic location chip away at this important right enshrined in the U.S. Constitution for all Americans.”

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration’s actions regarding the AP.

“If we feel there are lies being pushed by outlets in this room, we are going to hold those lies accountable,” Leavitt said.

“And it is a fact that........

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