Google Maps Updates U.S. Name for Gulf of Mexico to 'Gulf of America'

Gulf of Mexico Gets New Name in U.S. Google Maps

In a controversial move directed by former President Donald Trump, Google Maps users in the U.S. will now see the body of water formerly labeled as the "Gulf of Mexico" renamed to the "Gulf of America." The name remains unchanged for users in Mexico, while users in other parts of the world will see both names displayed as "Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America)." Brett Jordan / Pexels

Federal Order Makes Name Change Official

The renaming was initiated through an executive order issued by Trump on January 20, his first day back in office. The order directed the Department of the Interior to formalize the change, leading to an official statement from the department on January 24 declaring that "the Gulf of Mexico will now officially be known as the Gulf of America." The U.S. Board on Geographic Names expedited updates to federal geographic records, making the name change immediately effective for all official use. @VP / X

Google Updates Maps to Reflect New Designation

Google followed suit, confirming on Monday that its maps service had implemented the new name in the U.S. after the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) updated the designation. "As we announced two weeks ago and consistent with our longstanding practices, we’ve begun rolling out changes to reflect this update," Google stated in a blog post. Google LLC

Trump Commemorates Renaming with Gulf Flyover

Trump marked February 9 as "Gulf of America Day" and flew over the gulf to commemorate the renaming. "Today, I am making my first visit to the Gulf of America since its renaming," he said in a statement. "As my Administration restores American pride in the history of American greatness, it is fitting and appropriate for our great Nation to come together and commemorate this momentous occasion and the renaming of the Gulf of America." Executive Office of the President of the United States / Wikimedia