Well, that is until this week, when President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14172 and renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.” Announcing the decision, which is part of a wider effort to “restore names that honor American greatness,” has brought a mixed response across both domestic and international arenas.
Background of the Renaming
On Jan. 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14172, directing the Secretary of the Interior to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. The order stated that the body of water is an intrinsic part of America’s history and economy and that renaming it honors its importance to the country.
Implementation and Adoption
After the executive order was announced, several tech companies updated their platforms to align with the new designation.
- Google Maps now displays “Gulf of America” for users in the United States and “Gulf of Mexico” for users in Mexico.
- International users see both names.
Domestic Reactions
The name change has drawn mixed reactions within the United States:
Government Agencies
- The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center has begun using the term “Gulf of America” in its public forecasts.
Media Outlets
- The Associated Press (AP) continues to use “Gulf of Mexico” in its reports. This led to AP reporters being barred from a recent Oval Office event, with the White House asserting its right to limit access due to the naming dispute.
Public Opinion
- Polls show widespread opposition to the renaming.
- A Marquette University survey found 71% of respondents opposed the change.
- A Harvard CAPS-Harris poll reported 72% opposition.
International Response
The renaming has also led to international controversy:
Mexico
- President Claudia Sheinbaum has urged Google to revert to the original name, arguing that the “Gulf of Mexico” is internationally recognized.
- She hinted at potential legal action against Google if the original name is not restored.
United Kingdom
- The UK government has stated it will continue to use the term “Gulf of Mexico,” refusing to recognize the U.S. designation.
Critiques and Analyses
Some analysts see the renaming as an attempt to project national strength, while others interpret it as a sign of insecurity.
- David Frum, writing for The Atlantic, argues that this move symbolizes America’s imperial decline.
- He compares it to a “talisman,” a symbolic effort to mask a deeper insecurity about the nation’s global standing.
FAQ
Why did President Trump rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America?
According to Executive Order 14172, the renaming honors the gulf’s historical and economic significance to the United States.
How are mapping services handling the name change?
- Google Maps displays “Gulf of America” for U.S. users, “Gulf of Mexico” for Mexican users, and both for international users.
- Apple Maps has not yet implemented the change.
What has been the international reaction to the renaming?
- Mexico has protested the decision, with President Sheinbaum demanding that Google restore the original name and threatening legal action.
- The UK continues to use “Gulf of Mexico.”
Is the name change legally binding internationally?
No, the renaming applies only to U.S. federal agencies and documents. International recognition of such changes is not required.
How has the U.S. public responded to the renaming?
Polls show that a majority of Americans oppose the name change. Over 70% disagree with renaming it “Gulf of America.”
Call to Action
What do you think about this renaming initiative? Do you support “Gulf of America” or prefer the traditional “Gulf of Mexico”?
Join the conversation by commenting below or sharing this article on social media.
