The Trump administration has officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” in a move described as honoring “the legacy of American greatness.” The decision, announced by the Department of the Interior, was formalized through an executive order signed by President Trump on his first day back in office. The administration also reinstated the name Mount McKinley for Alaska’s highest peak, previously changed to Denali during the Obama administration.
The controversial renaming has sparked significant backlash, particularly from Mexican officials. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected the change, reaffirming that the region will continue to be recognized globally as the Gulf of Mexico. She emphasized Mexico’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and criticized Trump’s broader policy moves.
While the U.S. Board on Geographic Names has begun updating federal records to reflect the new name, international maps and naming conventions are unlikely to follow suit unless the term gains widespread global usage. The United Kingdom, for example, has stated it will retain the name Gulf of Mexico on official maps.
Critics argue that the name change is more symbolic than practical, designed to appeal to Trump’s nationalist base. Despite the administration’s efforts, many believe the global community will resist adopting the new designation. This decision marks another contentious start to Trump’s presidency, continuing a pattern of polarizing executive actions.
