In a surprising announcement, President-elect Donald J. Trump revealed plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America,” creating a stir among international leaders and the public. During a press briefing on Tuesday, Trump described the proposed name change as having a “beautiful ring” to it, drawing both ridicule from critics in Mexico and laughter from late-night comedy shows. Supporters, including Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, have promised to back the initiative.
The Gulf of Mexico has a deep historical significance, with its name first appearing on maps created by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, predating the establishment of the United States. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum took to social media to share a 1607 map labeling the region as “Mexican America,” suggesting, “Why not call it Mexican America? It sounds pretty, no?”
While Trump, having been president, may seek to implement geographical name changes in the U.S., the legality and international recognition of such changes remain uncertain. John Nyberg, director of the International Hydrographic Organization, noted the absence of formal protocols for naming maritime areas. In past administrations, such as President Obama’s, geographical name changes have occurred, like renaming “McKinley” to “Denali” in Alaska. However, reversing an established name without international consensus presents challenges.
The topic of naming rights is fraught with complexity as seen in other global regions. For instance, the body of water adjacent to Iran and Saudi Arabia has long been contested with Iran advocating for it to be called the “Persian Gulf,” while Saudi Arabia prefers “Arabian Gulf.” The U.S. Navy often uses “Arabian Gulf” to maintain diplomatic ties, yet the U.S. Board on Geographic Names recognizes “Persian Gulf” in official documentation.
Similarly contentious are names surrounding the sea bordered by Japan, North Korea, South Korea, and Russia, where Japan insists on “Sea of Japan,” while South Korea advocates for “East Sea.” The South China Sea, known primarily in English under that moniker, is also a subject of territorial significance, as it has various names proposing different national claims.
As the debate over the Gulf of Mexico's new name unfolds, it invites a broader discussion on cultural heritage, historical recognition, and the legitimacy of geographical naming practices worldwide.
