By Asmita - Feb 11, 2025
Google Maps updates its platform to show the name "Gulf of America" in the United States, following President Trump's executive order to rename the shared basin. The decision has sparked differing reactions, with Mexico criticizing the U.S.'s authority to rename the body of water. Google, FAA, and some institutions have adopted the new name, while others, like the Associated Press, opt to retain the original. The renaming extends to other landmarks in the U.S. as part of a broader government initiative.
An iPhone displaying a variety of apps, prominently featuring the Google Maps application on its screen. via Rawpixel.com
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Google Maps has officially updated its platform to reflect the name "Gulf of America" for users within the United States. This change follows an executive order by President Donald Trump, who directed the renaming of the oceanic basin shared by the U.S., Mexico, and Cuba. The update, which went into effect on Monday, aligns with Google's "longstanding practice" of adopting name modifications from official government sources. While U.S. users will now see "Gulf of America" on Google Maps, those in Mexico will continue to see "Gulf of Mexico," and users in other regions will see both names displayed.
President Trump's decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico stems from an executive order titled "Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness". Trump stated that the U.S. "does the most work" on the sea and insisted it should bear America's name "because it's ours". He also proclaimed February 9, 2025, as the first-ever "Gulf of America Day," calling on public officials and citizens to observe the day with appropriate programs and ceremonies. The executive order directs the Secretary of the Interior to rename the body of water as the Gulf of America and update the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) accordingly.
The renaming has drawn mixed reactions, with Mexico condemning the decision and asserting that the U.S. lacks the legal authority to alter the gulf's name. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has objected to Trump's order. Google stated it would comply with Trump's order once it was updated on the US Geographic Names System (USGS). The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also issued a notice stating it would observe both geographical name changes. Some institutions and public officials have adopted the new nomenclature, while others, like the Associated Press, plan to keep the original name.
In line with Trump's order, Google also stated it would rename the Alaskan peak Denali – the tallest mountain in North America – to Mount McKinley. Former President Barack Obama renamed the Alaska landmark to Denali in 2015 as a nod to the region's native population. The U.S. Coast Guard has also begun incorporating the new Gulf of America name change in its public notices. The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center has begun using "Gulf of America" in its public forecasts. The name change reflects a broader government initiative to rename geographic landmarks in alignment with national policies.
