Google Maps to Rename Gulf of Mexico to ‘Gulf of America’ Following Trump’s Directive
28th January 2025 | By NIGPOST
In a controversial move, Google Maps is set to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” following executive orders signed by former US President Donald Trump.
The announcement, made by the tech giant, also includes reinstating the name Mount McKinley for North America’s tallest peak, reversing changes made under the Obama administration.
Google’s Official Statement
According to a Google spokesperson, “We have a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources.”
The changes align with the US Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) policy and will take effect once GNIS finalizes the updates.
What Prompted the Name Changes?
President Trump, shortly after his swearing-in on January 20, 2025, signed a series of executive orders reversing previous geographic designations.
His administration cited the Gulf’s importance to America’s oil production, fishing industry, and tourism as reasons for renaming it the Gulf of America.
The renaming of Denali back to Mount McKinley also aims to overturn Barack Obama’s 2015 decision to officially recognize the name used by Alaska Natives for centuries. These decisions have sparked mixed reactions across the country.
Backlash from Indigenous Groups and Mexico
Indigenous groups in Alaska expressed disappointment over the name change, stating that Denali represents their heritage and cultural identity. Similarly, the decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico has drawn criticism from Mexico.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum humorously suggested renaming the United States to “Mexican America,” referencing a historical map from before the 1848 annexation of Mexican territory by the US.
Global Implications of the Changes
Google stated that while US-based users will see the updated names, international users will continue to view both the original and new designations.
This approach reflects Google’s policy for disputed or politically sensitive geographic names.
Adoption of the ‘Gulf of America’ Name
The term “Gulf of America” is already being adopted by various US organizations. For instance, the US Coast Guard used the term in a press release related to Trump’s new migrant crackdown, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis mentioned it during discussions about a recent winter storm.
What’s Next?
These changes are expected to fuel ongoing debates about cultural heritage, national identity, and international relations.
Google’s compliance with the executive orders raises questions about the role of technology companies in political and cultural matters.
For more breaking news and updates on this story, stay tuned to NIGPOST.
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