Trump Renames Gulf of Mexico

President Donald Trump has officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America through an executive order titled “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness,” signed on January 20, 2025. This order not only changes the name of the gulf but also reverts Alaska’s Denali back to its previous name, Mount McKinley.

Trump renames Gulf of Mexico to ‘Gulf of America’ among 1st executive orders.The president’s executive order calls for the U.S. secretary of the interior to change the name on federal maps. ABC News’ Matt Rivers reports.

The Interior Department announced that the name change will apply to federal references. The U.S. Board on Geographic Names is tasked with updating official records accordingly.

Trump Renames Gulf of Mexico

Scope of Change

The renaming specifically pertains to the U.S. Continental Shelf area of the Gulf. These boundaries include Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, extending to the maritime boundary with Mexico and Cuba. While the name “Gulf of America” will be used in U.S. federal contexts, other countries are not obligated to adopt this nomenclature.

Response from Mexico

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reacted to Trump’s order, stating that he can refer to it as the Gulf of America within the United States. However, in Mexico and globally, it will continue to be known as the Gulf of Mexico. She expressed amusement at the name change and emphasized Mexico’s sovereignty over its naming conventions.

Economic Significance

Trump’s order highlighted the economic importance of the Gulf. He noted its substantial contributions to U.S. oil production and fisheries and described it as an “integral asset” to the nation’s economy.

Political Context

This renaming reflects a broader narrative in Trump’s administration emphasizing American identity and heritage. The executive order aims to reclaim names that are seen as historically significant or representative of American values.

However, the move has sparked discussions about national identity and cultural recognition, particularly regarding neighboring countries like Mexico.

Legal and Diplomatic Implications

Legally, Trump’s executive order to rename the Gulf does not hold international weight. Other nations are under no obligation to adopt this new name. Existing international treaties recognize the Gulf of Mexico by its current name. The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), which standardizes geographical names, has no protocol for enforcing such unilateral changes. Thus, while the U.S. can change references in federal documents, it cannot compel other nations to follow suit.

Historical Context and Broader Implications

The renaming initiative has sparked discussions about historical naming conventions and geopolitical implications. Critics argue that such unilateral actions reflect imperialistic tendencies reminiscent of past U.S. foreign policies towards Latin America. The move also raises concerns about using geographical naming as a tool for asserting national identity and sovereignty, especially in regions with shared histories and cultural ties.

While Trump’s proposal may resonate with certain political factions within the U.S., it has been met with skepticism and resistance internationally. Mexico views it as an affront to its sovereignty and a misrepresentation of shared geographical heritage.