In a move that has sparked debate and celebration alike, Google Maps has officially updated its system to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.”
This update follows a directive from former President Donald Trump, who signed an executive order to change the name on his first day in office.
The change, now reflected in the U.S. government’s Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), marks a significant moment in his administration’s efforts to reinforce American identity.
A Super Bowl Announcement from Air Force One
Trump didn’t waste any time in marking the occasion.
While en route to the Super Bowl aboard Air Force One, he proclaimed February 8th as “Gulf of America Day.”
As the presidential aircraft soared over the renamed waters, Trump took the opportunity to highlight what he saw as a momentous step in restoring American pride.
“As my administration restores American pride in the history of American greatness, it is fitting and appropriate for our great Nation to come together and commemorate this momentous occasion and the renaming of the Gulf of America,” his executive order stated.
Reactions from Government Officials
As Air Force One flew over the Gulf, the pilot acknowledged the significance of the event over the intercom.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who was traveling with the president, emphasized the speed of the process, expressing excitement over the change.
“It’s an exciting, fun day and great to do this as we are flying over the Gulf of America,” Burgum commented.
When asked whether Mexico had been consulted on the decision, Trump made it clear that the U.S. acted unilaterally.
“It was our call,” he said, indicating that the name change was solely an American decision.
The Department of Interior’s Justification
The Department of Interior officially confirmed the name change on January 24, underscoring the importance of the body of water to the United States.
A statement from the department highlighted the gulf’s economic and strategic significance:
“From its rich fisheries, which drive local economies, to its vast reserves of oil and natural gas that have fueled innovation and prosperity, the Gulf of America has consistently been a cornerstone of the Nation’s growth.”
A Mixed Reaction from the Global Community
Despite the official U.S. stance, the name change isn’t universally recognized.
Google Maps has adjusted its system accordingly, but with caveats. Users in Mexico will still see the body of water labeled as the “Gulf of Mexico.”
In Europe and other international regions, the map displays both names, listing “Gulf of America” in parentheses alongside the original designation.
Another Name Change on the Horizon?
While the Gulf of America name is now in place, another geographic renaming is still pending.
Trump had previously pushed to restore Mount Denali’s name back to Mount McKinley, reversing a decision made by former President Barack Obama in 2015.
Obama had changed the name to honor the indigenous Alaskan heritage associated with the mountain, replacing the title given in the late 19th century.
As of now, Google Maps has yet to implement this change, leaving the question open: what’s next in the battle over geographic names?