The Offbeat/TAP Staff
In a move that has sparked significant discussion, the U.S. Geographic Names Information System has officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. This change, directed by President Donald Trump’s executive order titled “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness,” was signed on January 20, 2025. Following this directive, major technology companies have updated their mapping services to reflect the new nomenclature within the United States.
Google Maps implemented the change on February 10, 2025, displaying “Gulf of America” for users in the U.S., while users in Mexico continue to see “Gulf of Mexico.” In other regions, both names are displayed. Apple Maps followed suit, updating its maps to show “Gulf of America” for U.S. users. Microsoft’s Bing Maps has also adopted the new designation.
The executive order also reinstated the name Mount McKinley for North America’s highest peak, previously known as Denali. The Department of the Interior announced these changes as part of an effort to honor the legacy of American historical figures.
Public response to the renaming has been largely negative. Polls from Marquette University, YouGov, and Harvard CAPS-Harris indicate that over 70% of respondents oppose the change. Critics argue that the renaming disregards historical and cultural significance, and some view it as an unnecessary alteration of established geographic names.
Media organizations have responded differently to the change. The Associated Press has chosen to continue using “Gulf of Mexico” in its reporting, citing the name’s long-standing recognition. This decision led to the AP being barred from a recent White House event, raising concerns about press freedom and the First Amendment. Other outlets, such as The New York Times and The Washington Post, have also opted to retain the original name, while Fox News has adopted “Gulf of America” in its coverage.
International reactions have been mixed. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that Mexico and the rest of the world would continue to refer to the body of water as the Gulf of Mexico. She humorously suggested that if such renaming were to be taken seriously, North America might as well be called “Mexican America,” referencing historical documents.
The renaming has also led to technical adjustments by mapping services. Google has added the United States and Mexico to its list of “sensitive” countries requiring special consideration on maps, alongside nations like China and Russia. This classification affects how geographic names are displayed to users in different regions.
The debate over the renaming highlights broader discussions about national identity, historical recognition, and the influence of political decisions on geographic nomenclature. As the changes continue to be implemented, it remains to be seen how they will be received by the public and international community.