In a stunning display of defiance, French journalists have made sure that an Associated Press Paris reporter was given the opportunity to ask the first question at a recent press conference featuring US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The move is seen as a direct challenge to the White House, which has been locked in a heated dispute with the Associated Press over the use of the phrase 'Gulf of Mexico' instead of 'Gulf of America'.
According to sources, the White House has been putting pressure on news outlets to use the term 'Gulf of America', which has been met with widespread criticism and ridicule from the media and the public alike.
The Associated Press, one of the largest and most respected news agencies in the world, has refused to back down, insisting that the term 'Gulf of Mexico' is the widely accepted and geographically correct term to use.
The dispute has sparked a wider debate about the role of the media in holding those in power accountable, and the importance of maintaining journalistic independence in the face of government pressure.
By allowing the AP reporter to ask the first question, the French journalists are sending a clear message that they will not be intimidated by the White House and will continue to stand up for the principles of a free and independent press.
The press conference, which was held at the Elysee Palace in Paris, was attended by journalists from all over the world, and was seen as an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss a range of issues, including trade, security, and climate change.
However, the tension between the White House and the Associated Press was palpable, and the decision to allow the AP reporter to ask the first question was seen as a deliberate provocation.
The White House has yet to comment on the incident, but it is clear that the dispute between the two sides is far from over.
In a statement, the Associated Press said that it was proud to be part of a long tradition of independent journalism, and that it would continue to report the news without fear or favor.
The incident has sparked widespread support for the Associated Press and the French journalists who stood up to the White House, with many taking to social media to express their admiration for their courage and commitment to the principles of a free press.