Donald J. Trump's suggestion to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the 'Gulf of America' has ignited a mix of amusement and scrutiny, revealing complexities of international naming conventions.
Trump's Bold Proposal to Rename the Gulf of Mexico Raises Eyebrows
Trump's Bold Proposal to Rename the Gulf of Mexico Raises Eyebrows
The President-elect's idea of transforming the Gulf of Mexico into the 'Gulf of America' sparks international debate.
January 8, 2025, 1:01 p.m. ET – President-elect Donald J. Trump announced on Tuesday his intent to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the 'Gulf of America', an idea that has incited widespread reactions both at home and abroad. “It has a beautiful ring,” Trump remarked, referring to the proposed change for the waterway that forms a boundary between the U.S. and Mexico. The announcement has since triggered criticism in Mexico and provided fodder for late-night shows, while supporters like Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene pledge to rally for its realization.
The Gulf of Mexico’s name originates from its historical mapping by Spanish explorers back in the 16th century, predating the establishment of the United States. Responding to Trump's announcement, President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico showcased a 1607 map that labeled the Gulf, also suggesting an alternate name: "Mexican America." Sheinbaum questioned, “Why don’t we call it Mexican America? It sounds pretty, no?”
While it is within Trump’s presidential powers to advocate for changes to geographical names within the U.S., the feasibility of such an international name change remains uncertain. Historical precedents, such as President Obama’s executive action in 2015 changing "McKinley" mountain back to "Denali", have set a potential pathway for Trump. However, John Nyberg, director of the International Hydrographic Organization, emphasized that there is no widely accepted international protocol governing maritime naming.
The U.S. Board on Geographic Names, part of the Geological Survey, has precise criteria—focused primarily on "local use and acceptance"—for approving name changes. This poses challenges for broader acceptance of the proposed new name, especially in relation to existing international tensions surrounding place names.
Disputed names are not unique to this scenario. The body of water between Iran and Saudi Arabia is a heated topic; Iran refers to it as the "Persian Gulf," while Saudi Arabia favors "Arabian Gulf." The U.S. Navy opts for "Arabian Gulf" to navigate alliances, but for official usage, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names recognizes the "Persian Gulf."
Similar disputes arise in neighboring Asian waters, where Japan identifies the sea bordering it as the Sea of Japan, while South Korea argues it's traditionally known as the East Sea. The South China Sea also experiences contestation, with various countries asserting names to bolster their territorial claims to certain islands.
This latest proposal has sparked a wider debate about geographic names and national identity, potentially setting the stage for new international dialogues regarding the naming of significant bodies of water.
The Gulf of Mexico’s name originates from its historical mapping by Spanish explorers back in the 16th century, predating the establishment of the United States. Responding to Trump's announcement, President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico showcased a 1607 map that labeled the Gulf, also suggesting an alternate name: "Mexican America." Sheinbaum questioned, “Why don’t we call it Mexican America? It sounds pretty, no?”
While it is within Trump’s presidential powers to advocate for changes to geographical names within the U.S., the feasibility of such an international name change remains uncertain. Historical precedents, such as President Obama’s executive action in 2015 changing "McKinley" mountain back to "Denali", have set a potential pathway for Trump. However, John Nyberg, director of the International Hydrographic Organization, emphasized that there is no widely accepted international protocol governing maritime naming.
The U.S. Board on Geographic Names, part of the Geological Survey, has precise criteria—focused primarily on "local use and acceptance"—for approving name changes. This poses challenges for broader acceptance of the proposed new name, especially in relation to existing international tensions surrounding place names.
Disputed names are not unique to this scenario. The body of water between Iran and Saudi Arabia is a heated topic; Iran refers to it as the "Persian Gulf," while Saudi Arabia favors "Arabian Gulf." The U.S. Navy opts for "Arabian Gulf" to navigate alliances, but for official usage, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names recognizes the "Persian Gulf."
Similar disputes arise in neighboring Asian waters, where Japan identifies the sea bordering it as the Sea of Japan, while South Korea argues it's traditionally known as the East Sea. The South China Sea also experiences contestation, with various countries asserting names to bolster their territorial claims to certain islands.
This latest proposal has sparked a wider debate about geographic names and national identity, potentially setting the stage for new international dialogues regarding the naming of significant bodies of water.
