A naming dispute has emerged over the Gulf of Mexico, which is now being referred to as the “Gulf of America” in U.S. government documents and on Google Maps for users in the United States. This change follows an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, which directed the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to officially rename the body of water. The order has sparked controversy, especially from Mexico, which claims that the name change undermines its historical and territorial rights.
Background
The Gulf of Mexico has been known by its current name since at least the 1550s, derived from the Nahuatl term Mexica, referring to the Aztecs. The gulf is a significant body of water bordered by Mexico, Cuba, and several U.S. states, and it plays a vital role in trade, fishing, and energy production.
Trump’s announcement to rename the gulf was met with backlash from many quarters. A poll conducted by Harvard CAPS and The Harris Poll revealed that 72% of Americans opposed the name change. Critics argue that renaming such an internationally recognized body of water is unnecessary and politically motivated.
Mexico’s Response
In response to the renaming, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that her government would consider legal action against Google if it continued to label the Gulf as the “Gulf of America” for U.S. users. Sheinbaum emphasized that Trump’s directive only applies to U.S. waters and does not extend to areas belonging to Mexico or Cuba.
“What Google is doing is altering the name of the continental shelf belonging to Mexico and Cuba,”
Sheinbaum stated during a press briefing. She also pointed out that Trump’s order was limited to U.S. jurisdiction and did not affect international naming conventions.
Google’s Role
Google Maps officially updated its naming conventions on February 10, 2025, reflecting Trump’s executive order. Users in the United States now see “Gulf of America,” while users in Mexico still see “Gulf of Mexico.” For users in other countries, both names appear side by side.
Google has defended its decision by stating that it follows official government naming conventions when updating its maps. However, this move has drawn criticism for potentially setting a precedent for unilateral naming changes that could affect international relations.
Broader Implications
The naming dispute raises questions about how geographical names are handled globally, especially by major tech companies like Google. Experts warn that this situation could lead to increased tensions between the U.S. and Mexico, as it reflects deeper issues regarding national identity and territorial rights.
“This naming dispute is emblematic of broader concerns about U.S. unilateralism,”
said Ian Hurd, a political science professor at Northwestern University. He noted that while countries can name features within their own jurisdictions, changing internationally recognized names can complicate diplomatic relations.
Conclusion
The Gulf of Mexico naming dispute highlights tensions between national pride and historical recognition. As both nations navigate this complex issue, it remains to be seen how Google will respond to potential legal actions from Mexico and whether other mapping services will follow suit in adopting or rejecting the new name.
As discussions continue, this situation serves as a reminder of how names carry significant weight in international relations and cultural heritage. The outcome could have lasting implications for how geographical features are recognized and respected across borders.
