The White House Bars AP from Oval Office and Air Force One Over 'Gulf of Mexico' Dispute

The White House Bars AP from Oval Office and Air Force One Over ‘Gulf of Mexico’ Dispute

by with No Comment United States News

Publisher: Bouncer News
Author: Abdul Jabbar

The Trump administration announced on Friday that The Associated Press (AP) has been indefinitely barred from the Oval Office and Air Force One. This decision comes after the White House took issue with the news agency’s continued use of the term “Gulf of Mexico” instead of the newly designated name “Gulf of America.”

President Donald Trump had declared last month that the U.S. government would officially rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.” While the change has been implemented across government agencies, international bodies and many media organizations have refused to adopt the new terminology. The AP, citing its global readership, has continued using the original name while acknowledging Trump’s directive.

While other major news organizations have similarly opted to maintain the established name, the White House has specifically targeted the AP, barring its reporters from attending presidential events. However, AP photographers have still been permitted access.

Before Trump’s departure for Mar-a-Lago on Friday, the administration confirmed that AP journalists would not be allowed to board Air Force One. The move drew criticism from press freedom advocates, who argue that the ban limits public access to critical White House coverage.

In a statement on X, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich defended the decision, stating that the AP’s refusal to use the new name “is not just divisive but 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 guarantee them privileged access to spaces like the Oval Office and Air Force One,” Budowich added. “Moving forward, those spaces will be made available to the thousands of other journalists who have been previously restricted.”

Despite the ban, AP reporters retain their White House press credentials. However, their exclusion from “pooled” events, such as Air Force One flights, presents significant challenges for covering the administration. The AP is a key player in the White House press pool, a system that ensures presidential events are covered and information is shared among media outlets.

The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) condemned the decision, calling it a direct violation of press freedom. “This is a blatant attack on the First Amendment and the principles of a free press,” the WHCA stated. “It is also in contradiction to the president’s own executive order on protecting free speech and preventing government censorship.”

Legal experts believe the AP may pursue legal action against the White House over what is being described as an act of viewpoint discrimination. An anonymous AP staffer remarked, “This is as clear-cut a case as you can find.”

As of now, the AP has not publicly commented on the ban, but the ongoing dispute raises broader concerns about press freedom and the relationship between the media and the government.

Five Key Takeaways from the First Ontario Election Debate

by with No Comment United States News

Publisher: Bouncer News
Author: Abdul Jabbar

Ontario’s four major political leaders faced off in North Bay on Friday for the first debate of the provincial election campaign. The event, hosted by the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities, saw opposition leaders target Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford for calling a snap election more than a year ahead of schedule.

Defending his decision, Ford argued that he needed another four-year mandate to counter potential economic threats posed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs. However, his rivals—Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles, Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie, and Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner—criticized his track record on affordability, housing, and healthcare, as well as his government’s ethics.

The debate was at times chaotic, with candidates frequently interrupting one another as CBC Radio host Markus Schwabe attempted to steer the conversation toward key issues affecting Northern Ontario, such as forestry, mining, and infrastructure. Ford primarily focused on the economy while attacking his opponents, particularly Ms. Crombie, whom recent polls have placed as his closest challenger.

With the second and final debate scheduled for Monday night before Ontarians head to the polls on February 27, here are the key takeaways from the first face-off:

1) Trump’s Influence and the Election Timing

The looming presence of U.S. President Donald Trump was felt throughout the debate, with Ford emphasizing the risk of American tariffs on Ontario’s economy. His decision to call an early election was met with sharp criticism from his opponents.

Ms. Crombie took aim at Ford’s recent visit to Washington amid the campaign, accusing him of prioritizing “photo-ops with low-level advisers” over addressing pressing issues at home.

2) The Housing Crisis

As Ontario grapples with soaring housing costs and declining construction rates, Ford defended his government’s efforts, claiming he had cut red tape and facilitated development more than any previous administration.

“They don’t want to build,” Ford said of his opponents. “They want to tax people to death.”

Ms. Crombie countered by highlighting the Liberal plan to exempt first-time home buyers, seniors, and non-profits from land-transfer taxes while reducing municipal development fees.

Meanwhile, Ms. Stiles criticized Ford’s housing policies, saying his government had failed to keep housing affordable, particularly in Northern Ontario.

“Where are the homes Doug Ford promised? He has done absolutely nothing,” she said.

3) Addiction and Homelessness

The debate took a more serious tone when the leaders discussed the opioid crisis and homelessness. Ms. Crombie shared a personal story about her father’s struggles with addiction, while Ford referenced his family’s challenges, including his late brother Rob Ford’s widely publicized issues with substance abuse.

Opposition leaders accused the PC government of neglecting those suffering from addiction and homelessness. Ford defended his stance, saying his administration aimed to close supervised injection sites near schools and focus on treatment centers instead.

Ms. Stiles condemned this approach, suggesting that Ford was more interested in punitive measures rather than genuine solutions.

4) The Cost of Living Crisis

Ontario’s affordability crisis was another focal point, with opposition leaders accusing Ford of failing to address skyrocketing costs for families.

Ford responded by touting his government’s economic policies, emphasizing that he had not raised taxes and attacking Ms. Crombie as the “queen of the carbon tax,” despite her previous opposition to consumer carbon pricing.

5) Memorable Exchanges

The debate featured several striking remarks from the candidates:

  • Ford on Schreiner’s environmental stance: “Mr. Schreiner wouldn’t cut a dandelion, let alone break ground for new homes.”
  • Crombie on Ford’s promises: “You sound charming, but none of what you’re saying is true.”
  • Stiles on Ford and Crombie’s housing records: “It’s outrageous, watching these two argue over who built the least housing.”
  • Crombie’s invitation to Ford: “Come canoeing and kayaking in Northern Ontario, Premier. It’s beautiful up here.”
  • Schreiner on homelessness: “Housing is a human right. No one in Ontario should be homeless tonight.”

The debate set the stage for an intense election campaign, with the final leaders’ debate scheduled for Monday before voters make their decision on February 27.

RFK Jr. Confirmed as Trump’s Health Secretary in Narrow Senate Vote

RFK Jr. Confirmed as Trump’s Health Secretary in Narrow Senate Vote

by with No Comment United States News

Publisher: Bouncer News | Author: Abdul Jabbar

Washington, D.C. – Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a well-known attorney and outspoken critic of vaccines, has been confirmed as the new U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) in a closely contested 52-48 Senate vote on Thursday morning.

The role of HHS Secretary comes with immense responsibility, overseeing a $1.7 trillion budget that funds vaccine programs, food safety regulations, Medicare, Medicaid, medical research, and public health initiatives. The department also plays a crucial role in managing hospital regulations and supporting community health clinics across the country.

Despite facing resistance from some Republican lawmakers due to his controversial stance on vaccines, Kennedy secured enough votes for confirmation. Many GOP senators rallied behind his vision, adopting his new slogan, “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA), as they endorsed his appointment.

However, not all Republicans were on board. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a polio survivor, was the only GOP senator to oppose Kennedy’s confirmation. The Kentucky senator issued a strong statement criticizing Kennedy’s history of promoting conspiracy theories that, he argued, undermine trust in public health institutions.

“Every American has the right to advocate for a healthier nation and demand sound scientific guidance,” McConnell stated. “But pushing misinformation and fostering distrust in vital health organizations disqualifies Mr. Kennedy from leading these efforts. I cannot support a nominee who seeks to re-litigate well-established medical advancements.”

Kennedy, 71, has long been a controversial figure, gaining a substantial following due to his views on vaccines, food safety, and environmental health. His advocacy gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic when he led legal efforts against vaccine manufacturers and used social media to cast doubt on public health guidelines.

During his confirmation hearings, Kennedy pledged to prioritize addressing chronic diseases, which he attributed to harmful food additives and environmental pollution. He criticized health agencies for focusing too much on infectious diseases while neglecting the growing prevalence of chronic conditions.

With President Donald Trump’s backing, Kennedy believes he can restore public trust in health agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). However, Senate Democrats remained skeptical, pressing him during hearings to reject the widely debunked claim that vaccines cause autism—a stance he refused to denounce. Some lawmakers also expressed concerns that Kennedy could financially benefit from changes to vaccine policies or weakened legal protections for pharmaceutical companies.

Kennedy reportedly earned over $850,000 last year through a referral arrangement with a law firm that has sued the makers of Gardasil, a vaccine that protects against human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer.

“I am not anti-vaccine,” Kennedy told the Senate committee. “I support the measles and polio vaccines and will not take any action as HHS secretary that discourages their use.”

However, his past statements tell a different story. Kennedy previously described COVID-19 vaccines as a “crime against humanity” and publicly supported the disproven theory that vaccines contribute to autism. In 2021, he urged the public to “resist” CDC vaccine guidelines for children.

Following Kennedy’s swearing-in later on Thursday, President Trump is expected to sign an executive order establishing a MAHA commission. According to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, the commission will investigate what Kennedy calls a “chronic health crisis” in the country.

The confirmation marks a major milestone in the Trump administration’s healthcare strategy, though Kennedy’s tenure is likely to face significant scrutiny from both medical experts and political opponents alike.

Doug Ford Takes His Ontario Election Campaign to Washington, D.C.

Doug Ford Takes His Ontario Election Campaign to Washington, D.C.

by with No Comment Canada NewsUnited States News

Publisher: Bouncer News
Author: Abdul Jabbar

Doug Ford’s Campaign Strategy Crosses Borders

Doug Ford, the Premier of Ontario, took an unconventional step in his re-election campaign by traveling to Washington, D.C., where he engaged with influential U.S. business and political figures. On Tuesday morning, Ford addressed the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, one of the most powerful lobbying organizations in the country, and later met with key Republican lawmakers from border states, including a Michigan congresswoman and a North Dakota senator.

Ford’s trip, which aligns with his campaign narrative of needing a strong mandate to tackle trade issues and respond to U.S. policies, raises questions about its timing. While he argues that engaging with U.S. officials is essential for Ontario’s economic interests, critics suggest this visit is a strategic move to bolster his election bid. The Progressive Conservative Party has funded Ford’s travel expenses, but there is debate over whether taxpayers are covering any additional costs.

Political and Media Scrutiny

The opposition has been vocal about Ford’s decision to campaign internationally, suggesting it reflects an opportunistic election strategy. Given that Ford has justified calling this early election as a necessity to strengthen Ontario’s stance against trade tariffs and Donald Trump’s policies, some find it contradictory that he is focusing efforts outside Ontario during the campaign period.

Political analyst Anthony Furey pointed out that while Ford’s international engagement may seem unusual, it also highlights the reality of his role as Premier. “You cannot address trade and economic issues solely by knocking on doors in Ontario ridings,” he said. Ford’s media exposure in Washington, including appearances on major U.S. networks like CNN and Fox News, also differentiates his campaign from that of his rivals, who lack access to such international platforms.

Meanwhile, Queen’s Park reporters traveled to Washington to cover the trip, indicating the significance of Ford’s visit. Some noted that the event at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce had a largely Canadian audience, leading to speculation about whether the trip was more about optics than substantive policy discussions. Nevertheless, Ford and his cabinet ministers reportedly maintained a packed schedule, engaging in discussions with policymakers throughout their visit.

Public and Electoral Impact

Despite criticisms, Ford’s trip does not appear to be harming his re-election prospects. His supporters view the visit as a demonstration of leadership in navigating Ontario’s economic future. However, whether this move will translate into electoral success remains to be seen. With Ontario’s opposition parties struggling to shift the narrative back to domestic concerns, Ford appears to be setting the agenda, making this campaign strategy a high-risk, high-reward move.

As Ontario voters prepare to head to the polls, Ford’s ability to balance his role as Premier with his campaign efforts will remain under scrutiny. Whether his trip to Washington strengthens his position or backfires politically will soon be determined by the electorate.