For over 400 years, the expanse of water running from Florida to Texas and into Mexico has been recognized as the Gulf of Mexico. Recently, however, the Trump administration has been pushing to change that nomenclature, proposing the term Gulf of America and urging others to adopt this new name.
“It is a fact that the body of water off the coast of Louisiana is called the Gulf of America,” stated White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on February 12. “This administration views it as vital to correct this, not only for domestic audiences but also internationally.”
However, the endeavor to alter global mapping is a more intricate issue than the administration suggests. Here are critical insights into this situation.
Did Trump officially rename the Gulf of Mexico?
Prior to his inauguration on January 20, Trump expressed his intention to change the Gulf of Mexico’s designation to the “Gulf of America,” and upon taking office, he signed an executive order in support of this initiative.
Can he unilaterally change the name?
Although he can alter the name for official U.S. contexts, he cannot dictate its usage worldwide. The International Hydrographic Organization, which includes both the U.S. and Mexico as members, plays a critical role in the uniform surveying and charting of global seas, oceans, and navigable waters—often assigning names in the process. In cases where countries document the same body of water or landmark differently, confusion can arise.
Renaming becomes less contentious when a geographical feature lies entirely within a single nation’s borders. For instance, in 2015, former President Barack Obama sanctioned an order changing the name of Mount McKinley to Denali, a decision subsequently reversed by Trump.
Are other countries and entities adopting Trump’s naming?
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum dismissed Trump’s renaming efforts, asserting that he is free to use any title he chooses for the U.S. portion of the Gulf. “To us, it remains the Gulf of Mexico, as it does for the entire world,” she remarked shortly after the signing of the executive order.
Google Maps began referencing “Gulf of America” for users in the U.S., stating that it has a longstanding practice of adhering to U.S. government naming conventions. Meanwhile, users in Mexico will encounter both names, and international users will see a combination of both. Apple Maps has also begun displaying “Gulf of America” on various platforms.
Despite Trump’s decree, a major news agency plans to continue referring to it as the Gulf of Mexico, while acknowledging the president’s name change. The agency emphasizes the need for geography and place names to remain recognizable among its global audience.
What motivates Trump’s decision?
Since his first presidential campaign in 2016, Trump has consistently encountered friction with Mexico over various issues, including border security and tariff impositions. He famously pledged to erect a wall along the southern border and impose costs on Mexico for it. Ultimately, during his initial term, the U.S. constructed or renovated around 450 miles of border barriers.
What is the history behind the name “Gulf of Mexico”?
The name has been in use for more than 400 years, believed to derive from Native American terminology connected to the region’s historical significance.
Has the idea of renaming the Gulf of Mexico ever been proposed previously?
Yes, in 2012, a Mississippi lawmaker presented a bill to rename parts of the gulf that adjoin state beaches to “Gulf of America.” This bill was later regarded as mere humor by its sponsor and was not passed after being sent to committee. In an earlier incident, comedian Stephen Colbert humorously suggested after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill that the Gulf should be termed “Gulf of America” as a metaphorical way of taking responsibility.
Are there other international naming disputes?
Yes, disputes over geographical names are widespread, such as the ongoing controversy regarding the Sea of Japan, where Japan, North Korea, South Korea, and Russia have differing viewpoints on the name. In a 2020 meeting of the International Hydrographic Organization, nations agreed to prioritize numeric identifiers for geographic features and develop a fresh digital standard for mapping.
Traditionally, the Persian Gulf has retained its name since the 16th century, but “Gulf” and “Arabian Gulf” remain predominant in numerous Middle Eastern nations. The Iranian government even threatened legal action against Google for failing to label the body of water on its maps.
There’s also been discussion around naming conventions related to other significant bodies of water, as exemplified by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s comments suggesting a hypothetical consideration of renaming the Pacific Ocean the “American Sea” based on China’s claims over the South China Sea.
Additionally, Americans and Mexicans often refer to the same river differently; Americans call it the Rio Grande while Mexicans refer to it as the Rio Bravo.
