Trump's 'Gulf of America' Sparks Territorial Clash

President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America," igniting a new wave of political and international discussions. This bold proposal, aimed at asserting U.S. dominance over the region, has sparked debates on sovereignty, international law, and the symbolism behind such a name change Greg Derr/ The Patriot Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Which States Border the Gulf of Mexico?

Although it's called the Gulf of Mexico, the body of water makes contact with five U.S. states: Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. Six Mexican states—Quintana Roo, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Tabasco, Campeche, and Yucatán—also border the Gulf, as does Cuba. Gengiskanhgderivative via Wikimedia Commons

Tensions Rise Over Border Security and Gulf Naming Rights

Since his first term, Donald Trump has emphasized strengthening U.S. border security, advocating for the construction of a border wall, and addressing illegal immigration. During the Biden administration, there was an increase in illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border, and Trump has promised to focus on deportation. These policies have led to tensions with Mexico.

Trump has described Mexico as being "essentially run by cartels" and claimed that the U.S. does most of the work in the Gulf of Mexico. In response, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum humorously proposed renaming the United States "Mexican America," referencing historical maps from before the U.S. expanded to 50 states. Claudia Shein via Wikimedia Commons

Gulf Rename Echoes Rio Naming Divide

As Trump proposes renaming the Gulf of Mexico to "Gulf of America," it's reminiscent of the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo naming divide. The river, which splits Texas and Mexico, is called the "Big River" in the U.S. and "Wild River" in Mexico. This precedent could allow both countries to use different names for the Gulf. Andreas F. Borchert via Wikimedia Commons

The Name Change is Reaching Congress

The proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America is already gaining momentum in Congress. Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene quickly put forward a bill to enact the name change.

“The American people are footing the bill to protect and secure the maritime waterways for commerce to be conducted,” Greene said in her statements leading up to the bill. “Our U.S. armed forces protect the area from any military threats from foreign countries. It’s our gulf.” Richard Burkhart/Savannah Morning News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Trump’s ‘Gulf of America’ Plan Faces Democratic Opposition

As President Biden’s administration winds down, Democrats are swiftly pushing back against an array of controversial proposals from President-elect Donald Trump.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer lambasted the idea during a fiery speech on the Senate floor. “Donald Trump throws out a lot of strange and rather random ideas on a regular basis,” Schumer said, his tone laced with incredulity. “Yesterday, he proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America. It’s just another example of his penchant for headline-grabbing distractions.” The proposal has sparked debate over its geopolitical implications and its reception among U.S. neighbors, particularly Mexico, which shares the iconic water body. Shawn Dowd/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK