Editorial: The Gulf of Mexico is the Gulf of Mexico—And Press Freedom is Not Up for Debate

New York, N.Y. — At The Stewardship Report, we stand firm on the facts: The Gulf of Mexico is, and always has been, the Gulf of Mexico. Any attempt by the White House to arbitrarily rename internationally recognized geographical locations is a dangerous overreach. This is not about politics—it’s about reality.

Geography Isn’t a Political Pawn

The renaming of landmarks and bodies of water to suit executive whims undermines the integrity of journalism, academia, and diplomacy. If we allow governments to rewrite maps at will, where does it end? Facts should not be subject to partisan influence.

We Condemn Retaliation Against the Associated Press

The White House’s reported punitive actions against AP for refusing to adopt its preferred terminology are deeply troubling. A free press cannot function under threat of retribution. The role of journalists is to report the truth, not to conform to the demands of those in power.    

The Press Must Stand United

The media industry cannot afford division in the face of political pressure. We encourage all journalists, editors, and publishers to rally behind AP. Press freedom is essential to democracy, and an attack on one newsroom is an attack on all.

We urge our colleagues across the media landscape to resist political coercion and continue upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity. The truth is not negotiable.

Gulf of Mexico: Stewardship Report Rejects Political Renaming (Feb. 15, 2025)

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