Renaming Places: The Gulf of Mexico Controversy
The waters adjacent to the Southern United States, Mexico, and Cuba will hold significance for shipping and tourism, regardless of whether they are referred to as the Gulf of Mexico, a name that has persisted for four centuries, or the Gulf of America, as ordered by President Donald Trump just this week. Similarly, North America’s tallest mountain will remain a formidable presence in Alaska whether labeled Mt. Denali, following a decision by former President Barack Obama in 2015, or reverted to Mt. McKinley as Trump has suggested.
Trump’s assertions regarding these names, in line with his “America First” philosophy, have prompted mapmakers and educators to reconsider their terminology. The topic has catalyzed reactions on social media, including sarcasm from prominent figures, with at least one international leader participating in the discourse. Though Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has utilized the term “Gulf of America” in official paperwork, it remains uncertain how widely this name will be adopted by other states that border the Gulf.
In a humorous critique, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum proposed that if Trump persists with his renaming, Mexico might decide to designate North America as “Mexican America.” Later, she moderated her statement, affirming that the region will continue to be known as the Gulf of Mexico by her country and, indeed, across the globe.
The influence of politics on geographical titles is undeniable. Map boundaries often reflect the complex and sometimes volatile priorities of nations, especially in a time where global interconnectivity is common. No universal guidelines exist for naming geographical features, leading to discrepancies across cultures.
The name “Denali” is favored by Alaska Natives, while “McKinley” honors the late President William McKinley, a designation made in the 19th century by a gold miner. China considers Taiwan part of its territory, contributing to a myriad of names for regions like the body of water designated by the U.S. as the South China Sea. The Persian Gulf has been commonly recognized by that title since the 16th century, although in many Middle Eastern nations, “Arabian Gulf” is the more frequently used term. In 2012, Iran threatened legal action against Google for omitting the Persian Gulf from its maps, demonstrating the tensions surrounding naming conventions.
Similarly, there’s a divide between Americans and Mexicans regarding the river that acts as the boundary between Texas and several Mexican states; Americans call it the Rio Grande while Mexicans refer to it as the Rio Bravo.
Trump’s executive order, titled “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness,” asserts the importance of celebrating the nation’s heritage through appropriate geographical naming. Trump argues that the names granted to the country’s notable landmarks should pay homage to historical contributions made by patriotic Americans.
The debate about what to officially call the Gulf, which has a coastline measuring over 3,700 miles, continues. Peter Bellerby, a cartographer in London, expressed uncertainty, noting that they weren’t prepared for such a scenario. He commented that if a proposal were made to change the Atlantic Ocean to the “American Ocean,” it would likely be ignored.
As of Wednesday evening, major map applications, such as those from Google and Apple, still referenced the Gulf and mountain by their long-standing names. National Geographic stated that it avoids engaging in controversies over naming, instead opting to draw from multiple authoritative sources and conducting extensive research before making decisions. The organization is known for including explanatory notes in cases where place names are disputed, highlighting the complexities of geographical nomenclature.
In discussions on social media, users reflected on historical name changes, such as Chicago’s Sears Tower becoming the Willis Tower in 2009, yet still being popularly recognized by its original name. Another example included Pennsylvania’s Market Street being renamed to Martin Luther King Boulevard, only to revert back amid public outcry. Similarly, the renaming of New York’s Tappan Zee Bridge has incited debate about its current title, with many still referring to it by its previous name.
On Reddit, users posed questions about the educational implications of the renaming, debating whether children should be taught to recognize the renamed body of water or stick with the widely accepted term, Gulf of Mexico. One user humorously responded that they would only acknowledge the Gulf of America when compelled to use the new name for the Tappan Zee Bridge.
