-(4)-1731951738-q80.webp){kind=small}
The Gulf of Mexico has been officially renamed the “Gulf of America” in the United States following an executive order by President Trump. The change, announced by the Department of the Interior on January 24, has now been implemented in Google Maps for U.S.-based users.
According to the executive order signed on January 20, President Trump directed federal agencies to rename the Gulf to emphasize American identity. The order required the Department of the Interior to take necessary steps to make the new name official across all federal platforms.
The department stated that the U.S. Board on Geographic Names worked swiftly to update the official record, and the change is now in effect for all federal use.
Google Maps users in the United States will now see “Gulf of America” instead of “Gulf of Mexico.” However, users in Mexico will still see the body of water labeled as “Gulf of Mexico,” while international users will see both names displayed as “Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America).”
Google confirmed the update in a blog post on Monday, stating that the change was implemented in accordance with official government updates.
The company explained that its mapping services follow standardized geographic names and that the modification was made as soon as the U.S. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) updated its database.
The renaming has sparked widespread discussion, with reactions varying among different political and geographic communities. Supporters of the change argue that the name “Gulf of America” reinforces national pride and sovereignty, aligning with President Trump’s broader initiative to promote American heritage.
Opponents, however, criticize the move as unnecessary and potentially harmful to diplomatic relations with Mexico.
Political analysts suggest that the decision reflects Trump’s ongoing efforts to emphasize nationalism and reassert America’s cultural influence.
The renaming of geographic landmarks has historically been a political statement, and this move is seen as part of a broader strategy to reshape the narrative around American history and identity.
In celebration of the change, President Trump officially designated February 9 as “Gulf of America Day.” The president also made a public appearance, flying over the newly named Gulf and delivering remarks recognizing the occasion.
“Today, I am making my first visit to the Gulf of America since its renaming,” Trump said in a statement. “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.”
The renaming process has already begun appearing in federal documents, maps, and official communications. The Department of the Interior confirmed that all agencies are required to use the new name in their records moving forward.
Additionally, U.S. textbooks and educational materials will likely reflect the change in future editions.
Despite the official federal designation, some private entities and international organizations may continue using the name “Gulf of Mexico.” Many historians and geographers have expressed concerns about altering long-established geographic names, citing the potential for confusion in academic and navigational contexts.
Reactions in Mexico have been largely negative, with government officials criticizing the unilateral decision by the U.S. The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement reaffirming that the Gulf will remain officially recognized as the “Gulf of Mexico” within Mexican territories and international diplomatic contexts.
Some global organizations, including the United Nations’ cartographic division, have indicated that they will maintain the traditional name in their records, emphasizing the importance of consistency in international geographical terminology.
As the new designation takes effect, debates over its significance and implications continue. Supporters see it as a bold assertion of American identity, while critics argue that it undermines long-standing historical and geographical conventions.
Regardless of the controversy, the name “Gulf of America” is now a formal part of U.S. government records and public-facing platforms like Google Maps, cementing the change in official discourse.
The full impact of this decision remains to be seen, particularly in terms of U.S.-Mexico relations and global recognition of the name. However, it is clear that the Trump administration views this move as a milestone in its broader effort to reshape American cultural and historical narratives.
