Donald J. Trump’s recent announcement aiming to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" has ignited a discussion over naming conventions and geopolitical implications.
Could Trump's Gulf of Mexico Name Change Become Reality?
Could Trump's Gulf of Mexico Name Change Become Reality?
President-elect's proposal to rename the Gulf raises eyebrows at home and abroad.
On January 8, 2025, President-elect Donald J. Trump announced plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America," comments that stirred a flurry of reactions from both the U.S. and Mexico. Trump proclaimed, "It has a beautiful ring," as he pitched the idea, which has seen a mix of mockery and support. Notably, some allies, including Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, have backed the proposal passionately.
Historical maps indicate that the body of water was named by Spanish explorers as early as the 16th century. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum took to social media, showcasing a 1607 map labeling the area and proposing that it should be referred to as "Mexican America" instead, questioning, “Why don’t we call it Mexican America? It sounds pretty, no?”
While Trump, utilizing presidential authority, could theoretically rename geographical features in the United States, international acceptance of such a change remains uncertain. For instance, in 2015, President Obama successfully reverted a mountain name in Alaska from "McKinley" back to "Denali," showcasing presidential naming power. Nevertheless, naming maritime areas lacks a formal global protocol, leading experts like John Nyberg from the International Hydrographic Organization to state that different nations may not recognize U.S. name changes.
Historically contentious naming disputes abound, such as the gulf separating Iran and Saudi Arabia, with Iran advocating for "Persian Gulf" and Saudi Arabia favoring "Arabian Gulf." Meanwhile, the term “Sea of Japan” is contested by South Korea, which insists on its long-standing name, "East Sea."
The proposed name change reflects broader themes in international relations and local identity, revealing the complex interplay of political power and geographical nomenclature. The question remains whether such decisions will resonate worldwide, or if they will only serve to fuel comedy skits and political debates.
Emiliano Rodríguez Mega contributed reporting.
