In a controversial move, US President Donald Trump has officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. The decision was enacted through an executive order, directing the Department of the Interior to implement the change.
According to the Department’s statement, the renaming is part of a broader effort to “preserve the United States’ exceptional heritage.” The statement added that North America’s highest peak would also retain its name as Mount McKinley, emphasizing the administration’s dedication to reinforcing national identity.
“By order of the President, the Gulf of Mexico will now be officially recognized as the Gulf of America,” the statement read. “These changes reaffirm our nation’s commitment to honoring its extraordinary legacy.”
Trump had previously floated the idea of renaming the Gulf during his inauguration speech, later formalizing it with an executive order.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum swiftly condemned the decision, stating, “For the entire world, it is and will always remain the Gulf of Mexico.” Her comments highlight widespread disapproval from Mexico and other nations over what is being seen as an assertion of territorial symbolism.
The decision has already sparked international backlash, with critics arguing that it disregards historical and geographical context. However, Trump supporters see it as another bold step in his “America First” agenda.
