Google Maps to Rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America
|Google is preparing to update its mapping system to reflect a recent executive order signed by President Donald Trump, which officially renames the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. The change will soon be visible on Google Maps, following an update to the U.S. government’s official geographic records.
The decision is part of a broader effort by the administration to promote what it calls “American greatness.” According to the executive order, renaming the Gulf is meant to honor the contributions of the region to the nation’s economy, particularly through trade, energy production, and commerce. The order emphasizes that the new name aligns with the country’s identity and history, framing it as a necessary correction.
Google’s Policy on Name Changes
In a post on X, Google stated that it has a long-standing policy of adopting official name changes once they are updated in government databases. The company explained that its maps rely on sources such as the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), a federal database that standardizes location names across the country. Once GNIS finalizes the renaming process, Google will reflect the change on its platform.
However, Google clarified that only users in the United States will see the updated name. International users will still see both “Gulf of Mexico” and “Gulf of America” on the map. This approach follows Google’s practice of displaying different names based on regional government designations.
Reversing Obama’s Decision on Denali
In addition to renaming the Gulf, Trump’s executive order calls for the nation’s highest peak, Denali, to be reverted to its former name, Mount McKinley. The mountain had been renamed by former President Barack Obama in 2015 as a tribute to Alaska’s indigenous population, who had long referred to it as Denali.
The Trump administration argues that the previous change was a politically motivated decision that erased an important part of American history. The executive order describes Obama’s action as “an affront to President McKinley’s life, his achievements, and his sacrifice.” McKinley, the 25th president of the United States, was known for his economic policies, including tariffs designed to protect American industries, and was assassinated in 1901.
Political and Public Reactions
The renaming of the Gulf and the reversal of Denali’s name have sparked debate across the political spectrum. Supporters of Trump’s decision view it as a patriotic move that restores historical integrity, while critics argue that such changes are unnecessary distractions from more pressing national issues.
Some experts believe that renaming the Gulf of Mexico could create diplomatic tensions with Mexico and other nations that border the Gulf. Others suggest that the move is largely symbolic and unlikely to have any practical impact beyond federal documentation and mapping services.
Regardless of the controversy, Google’s compliance with the executive order ensures that, for American users, the Gulf of America will soon replace the Gulf of Mexico on their digital maps, reinforcing the administration’s vision of American heritage and national pride.