Google Maps will soon display the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” for users in the United States, aligning with an executive order signed by President Donald Trump shortly after his January 20 inauguration. The change, part of a broader federal renaming initiative, also reverts Alaska’s Denali mountain to “Mount McKinley” on U.S. maps.
Government-Mandated Name Changes
The U.S. Department of the Interior confirmed on January 24 that it had officially updated the Gulf of Mexico’s name to “Gulf of America” and restored the former name of North America’s tallest peak, Denali, to “Mount McKinley.” These changes were directed by President Trump, who cited a campaign promise to honor historical U.S. nomenclature. The renaming reverses a 2015 decision by the Obama administration to use “Denali,” the Indigenous Koyukon name for the Alaskan mountain.
Google’s Implementation Strategy
Google announced on January 27 that it will update its Maps platform once the U.S. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) reflects the changes. The company stated it follows a “longstanding practice of applying name changes when they are updated in official government sources”. Key details include:
- Regional Variations:
- U.S. users will see “Gulf of America” and “Mount McKinley.”
- Mexican users retain “Gulf of Mexico,” while international users may see both names (e.g., “Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America)”).
- Global Precedents: Google employs similar dual-naming practices for contested regions, such as labeling the “Persian Gulf (Arabian Gulf)” outside Iran and Arab states.
Reactions and Context
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the Gulf’s renaming, quipping that the U.S. might as well rebrand North America as “Mexican America”. Meanwhile, Alaskan leaders expressed frustration over reverting Denali’s name, which had been formally recognized as part of Indigenous reconciliation efforts.
Timeline and Technical Adjustments
The GNIS update is pending, but Google confirmed it will act swiftly once revisions are published. Historical data shows Google typically implements such changes within days of official updates, as seen with the 2015 Denali adjustment.
Broader Implications
This move highlights the intersection of geopolitics, technology, and cultural heritage. While federal mandates dictate domestic naming conventions, global platforms like Google Maps must balance localization with international norms. The Gulf of Mexico—a body of water bordered by the U.S., Mexico, and Cuba—now joins a list of politically charged geographic labels managed through algorithmic diplomacy.
For now, users worldwide await the GNIS update to see how Google’s maps will reflect these contested identities.
Why did the US government decide to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America?
The U.S. government’s decision to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” stems from an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. This initiative, announced during his inaugural address, is part of a broader agenda aimed at reinforcing a sense of American identity and reclaiming what he perceives as rightful ownership over significant geographical features.
Background and Motivation
Trump’s proposal to rename the Gulf was initially introduced during a January 2025 press conference, where he expressed a desire to assert U.S. authority over the region, which he claimed is “currently run by cartels” and emphasized that “it’s ours”. This rhetoric aligns with Trump’s longstanding focus on immigration and border security issues, particularly concerning Mexico. By renaming the Gulf, Trump aims to symbolize a stronger national identity and assert control over the waters that are crucial for U.S. economic interests, including oil production and seafood supply.
Official Process and Implementation
The executive order mandates the Secretary of the Interior to update federal maps and documents to reflect this name change within 30 days. The U.S. Board on Geographic Names, which oversees geographic nomenclature, is responsible for standardizing these changes across federal platforms. However, it is important to note that other countries, including Mexico, are not obligated to adopt this new name. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has already suggested that her country might refer to the U.S. as “America Mexicana” in response to this unilateral decision.
Historical Context
The Gulf of Mexico has been known by its current name for over four centuries, derived from historical references linked to Indigenous peoples. The idea of renaming it has surfaced previously but was often dismissed as impractical or humorous. For instance, a 2012 proposal in Mississippi to rename parts of the Gulf as “Gulf of America” was seen as a joke.
Reactions and Implications
The name change has elicited mixed reactions domestically and internationally. While some view it as a patriotic move reflecting American greatness, others criticize it as an unnecessary alteration that disregards historical context and international naming conventions. Critics also argue that such changes can complicate diplomatic relations with neighboring countries.
In summary, the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” reflects President Trump’s broader political objectives and his approach to asserting American identity on the global stage. As this change unfolds, its acceptance both within the U.S. and abroad remains uncertain.
How do other countries refer to the Gulf of Mexico?
Countries refer to the Gulf of Mexico using different names, primarily based on their languages and historical contexts. Here are the most notable references:
- United States: The name “Gulf of Mexico” is commonly used, but following a recent executive order by President Donald Trump, it will also be referred to as the “Gulf of America” within U.S. federal agencies.
- Mexico: In Spanish, it is called “Golfo de México,” which directly translates to Gulf of Mexico. This name has been in use for centuries and is recognized in official documents and maps.
- France: The French term for the Gulf is “golfe du Mexique,” which mirrors the Spanish name and is used in French-speaking contexts.
Despite the U.S. government’s initiative to adopt the name “Gulf of America,” international recognition remains unchanged. Countries like Mexico continue to use “Gulf of Mexico,” and there is no obligation for other nations to adopt the new name proposed by the U.S. government. The International Hydrographic Organization officially recognizes “Gulf of Mexico” as the standard name for this body of water, which further complicates any unilateral naming changes by one country.
In summary, while the U.S. may implement a new name domestically, global usage and recognition of the Gulf of Mexico remain firmly established in its traditional nomenclature across various countries.
Will other mapping apps like Apple Maps follow Google’s lead on this change?
It’s currently unclear whether other mapping applications, such as Apple Maps, will follow Google’s lead in changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.” Here are some key points regarding this situation:
- Google’s Initiative: Google Maps will implement the name change in accordance with a U.S. government directive. This change is primarily a domestic adjustment influenced by political motivations rather than an internationally recognized alteration.
- Apple Maps’ Approach: Apple Maps has not publicly indicated any intention to adopt the “Gulf of America” name. Historically, Apple Maps tends to align with established geographical names and may continue to use “Gulf of Mexico” as recognized internationally.
- International Standards: Mapping applications typically adhere to internationally accepted names as defined by organizations like the International Hydrographic Organization. Since “Gulf of Mexico” is widely recognized, it is likely that Apple Maps and other international mapping services will retain this name for users outside the U.S.
- User Preferences and Data: Both Google Maps and Apple Maps prioritize user experience and data accuracy. If the name change does not gain widespread acceptance or recognition, it may not be reflected in other mapping services.
In summary, while Google Maps will implement the name change domestically, it remains uncertain if Apple Maps or other mapping applications will follow suit, particularly given the established international usage of “Gulf of Mexico.”