In a bold and unexpected move, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Inauguration Day, January 20, 2025, renaming the US portion of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.” This change, effective immediately, is set to redefine how the body of water is viewed on maps and discussed worldwide.
With the US Department of the Interior quickly directing the US Board on Geographic Names (BGN) to remove all references to "Gulf of Mexico" in the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), it’s clear that this change will have lasting implications. As government institutions, including the US Navy and the Coast Guard, adopt the new name, the question arises: How will private and international entities respond?
Google has already signaled their compliance with the new order, with plans to update their maps to reflect the Gulf of America in the US. However, it’s unclear how other mapping services, such as Apple Maps, will adjust. Will they follow suit, or will they stick to the traditional name?
This renaming is creating a significant stir, as it’s not just about geography but identity. The Gulf of Mexico has been known by this name for centuries, and changing it will affect everything from environmental reports to international agreements.
The bigger question, though, may be how this new name will be received outside of the United States. The Associated Press, a global news leader, has announced its decision to keep the original "Gulf of Mexico" for now, making it clear that the controversy over this renaming is far from over.
Is this a patriotic rebranding or a controversial move that disregards centuries of history? One thing is certain: the Gulf of America is here to stay — for now.
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