Elon Musk has caused a stir in the UK after suggesting renaming the English Channel the “George Washington Channel.” He made the proposal on his platform, X, sharing an edited map with the new name and calling it “a better title” for the body of water separating England and France. Musk didn’t provide further reasoning, leaving many Brits baffled and dismissive of the idea.
The English Channel, named in the 18th century, holds significant historical importance, especially in British naval history. Unsurprisingly, Musk’s suggestion met with backlash online, with some criticizing his tendency to interfere in non-American matters. One user asked why an international waterway should be renamed after a U.S. president, while another called the idea “ridiculous.”
New name for the water that separates England and France pic.twitter.com/R6Lipj1Dra
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 26, 2025
This is not the first time Musk has made bold suggestions regarding British infrastructure. He previously floated the idea of a £20 billion transatlantic tunnel connecting London to New York. Critics argue these proposals reflect Musk’s penchant for attention rather than practicality, especially given his ongoing controversies.
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For now, the English Channel is unlikely to see a name change, but Musk’s suggestion has added to his growing reputation for provocative and unconventional ideas. Whether this latest proposal was meant seriously or in jest remains unclear, but it has certainly sparked lively debate.