Francisco Javier Remes Sánchez, a fisherman and manager of a fishing association in Tamaulipas, Mexico, reacted with bewilderment to Trump's decree. Having spent decades fishing in the waters, he feels the name change undermines Mexico's historical ties to the gulf, which has been known by its original name since the 16th century. "He’s changing the name of a cultural and natural heritage of Mexico since the 16th century," he remarked.

While the order holds authority only in the United States, the impact of rebranding this significant body of water is felt across nearby nations. The Secretary of the Interior has been directed to revise all government documents to reflect the new moniker. However, the Mexican President, Claudia Sheinbaum, responded with levity, emphasizing that for her country and the rest of the world, it will remain the Gulf of Mexico.

As reactions pour in, it is evident that the renaming has more than just geographical implications; it touches on deep-rooted cultural identities and historical significance, resonating differently across the borders.