If you’ve been curious about whether the Gulf of Mexico has been renamed to the Gulf of America on Google Maps, the tech giant has provided some clarity on the matter. This is all part of recent announcements by President Trump, who has taken several bold steps just days into his presidency.
President Trump wasted no time in his early days at the White House, signing multiple executive orders. These include reversing the TikTok ban, adjusting immigration laws, and endorsing traditional gender definitions. A somewhat surprising move in his lineup is the decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
A New Name for the Gulf
In an executive order, Trump described the Gulf as “an integral asset to our once burgeoning Nation,” highlighting its historical importance in trade and commerce. It’s clear he sees this change as part of reclaiming a sense of national pride on the global stage.
During his inauguration, Trump declared that America would restore its position as a superpower, admired worldwide. Part of this vision includes renaming the Gulf to reflect its connection to the nation.
How It Affects Google Maps
While Google is complying with the renaming request, what appears on your map depends on your geographical location. As explained by a Google representative, name updates are made when they align with official government sources.
In the U.S., Google will update Maps to reflect “Mount McKinley” and “Gulf of America” as new official names. However, international users will likely see a dual naming system due to varying official titles globally.
This approach of showing different names based on location isn’t new for Google. It’s their way of adapting to regional naming conventions when international differences arise.
Controversy and Criticism
The decision hasn’t come without its critics, notably from Mexico. The country’s authorities, including President Claudia Sheinbaum, have expressed disagreement, maintaining that for them, the body of water remains the Gulf of Mexico.
Sheinbaum has also emphasized that Mexico will continue to defend its sovereignty and independence against such changes. Yet, despite external objections, the name change is swiftly moving forward in the U.S.
This naming decision ties into a broader array of political topics and national considerations, reflecting Trump’s vision for his administration.
