Gulf of Mexico/America (Photo available under Creative Commons CC BY-SA 2.0 – No changes made)
On Feb. 11, 2025, the Gulf of Mexico was renamed the Gulf of America in the United States under one of President Donald Trump’s first executive orders.
The name change applies only to American citizens, as countries can refer to geographical features as they choose. However, no formal international body has the authority to decide official place names. The United Nations’ Group of Experts on Geographical Names encourages international agreement on these names, but its recommendations are not binding. Countries that disregard these guidelines may be perceived as weak.
“Changing names is often a sign of weakness by a leader rather than strength. It reveals their insecurities about their place in the world,” Ian Hurd, a political science professor at Northwestern University, said.
Ownership
Controversy over ownership of the Gulf of Mexico/America arose when Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the United States’ decision.
“[The name change] could only correspond to the 22 nautical miles away from the coastlines of the United States of America,” Sheinbaum said in Spanish during a press conference in Mexico City on Feb. 3.
This statement underscores that the United States does not control the entire Gulf of Mexico/America. The U.S. lays claim to 46% of the gulf, while Mexico claims 49%. However, legally, no country owns the entire body of water, as it borders three nations.
This dispute is one of several recent tensions between the United States and Mexico. Mexico has faced U.S. tariffs, currently on hold, as well as deportations and military actions affecting its government.
Private Companies
Private companies in the U.S. are not legally required to adopt the new name, but Apple, Bing and Google have done so. Google announced its compliance with the change on X.
“When official names vary between countries, Maps users see their official local name, and the rest of the world sees both names,” Google said, according to Business Insider.
Other Changes
This is not the only name change under the Trump administration. As of Feb. 10, 2025, Fort Liberty is once again called Fort Bragg. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted a video on X signing a memorandum formalizing the change.
The new name honors Private First Class Roland L. Bragg, who served during World War II and was stationed at Fort Liberty/Bragg. The fort, the largest military base in the United States, houses more than 50,000 military personnel and 60,000 family members. Originally named Fort Bragg, it was changed to Fort Liberty as part of an effort to remove names honoring Confederate soldiers.
