Gulf of America: Trump's Nautical Nomenclature Adventure

February 14, 2025

In a move that left geographers facepalming and cartographers reaching for their erasers, President Donald Trump has unilaterally decided to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America." Because when in doubt, just slap "America" on it and call it a day.

The Executive Order: Because Maps Weren't Confusing Enough

On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14172, directing the Interior Secretary to adopt the name "Gulf of America" for the body of water previously known as the Gulf of Mexico. This decree applies to the U.S. portion of the Gulf, because apparently, water respects international boundaries. The Interior Department confirmed that the name change was effective for U.S. federal agencies as of January 24, 2025. However, the rest of the world, including Mexico and Cuba, collectively rolled their eyes and continued using "Gulf of Mexico."

Associated Press: Standing Firm Amidst the Storm

The Associated Press (AP), that bastion of journalistic integrity, announced it would continue to use "Gulf of Mexico" in its reporting, acknowledging the executive order but choosing not to comply. In response, the White House threw a tantrum and barred AP reporters from Oval Office events starting February 11, 2025. Executive Editor Julie Pace condemned the ban as a violation of First Amendment rights, while the White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, defended the decision, stating, "If we feel there are lies being pushed by outlets in this room, we are going to hold those lies accountable." Because nothing says "freedom" like censoring the press.

Google Maps: Navigating the Name Game

Tech giant Google, not wanting to miss out on the fun, updated its Maps and Earth services on February 10, 2025. Now, users in the United States see "Gulf of America," while those in Mexico see "Gulf of Mexico." Users elsewhere are treated to the clunky "Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America)." Apple Maps and Bing Maps quickly followed suit, because who doesn't love a good identity crisis every time they check the weather?

Public Opinion: A Resounding 'Nope'

Surprisingly, the American public isn't on board with the rebranding. A Marquette University poll found that 71% of respondents opposed the renaming, while a Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll reported a 72% opposition. It seems that Americans are more attached to their geography than previously thought.

International Reactions: Mexico Claps Back

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded with a masterclass in sarcasm, suggesting that North America be renamed "Mexican America." She also threatened legal action against Google for implementing the name change, pointing out that U.S. sovereignty doesn't extend beyond its own borders. The United Kingdom chimed in, stating it does not recognize the new name, because apparently, the British have had enough of renaming things since the colonial era.

Historical Context: A Pattern of Rebranding

This isn't the first time President Trump has dabbled in geographical renaming. Earlier in his term, he ordered Alaska's Denali to revert to its former name, Mount McKinley, much to the chagrin of Alaskans and Indigenous communities. These actions reflect a broader trend of attempting to reshape reality through nomenclature, because if you can't change policy, at least you can change the names on a map.

Conclusion: Much Ado About Nothing

In the grand scheme of things, renaming a body of water doesn't change its tides, its ecosystems, or its importance. The "Gulf of America" remains the same vast expanse of water, indifferent to the political squabbles of those who name it. Perhaps it's a reminder that while leaders come and go, the geography they attempt to label remains steadfast, much like the journalists who report on their antics.