Analysis of major U.S. news outlets' publications

Trump Renames 4-Century-Old Gulf of Mexico to 'Gulf of America,' Also Reverts Denali to Mount McKinley

Jan 24, 2025, 02:21 PM

President Donald Trump has issued an executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico, a body of water with a 3,700-mile coastline that has been known by its current name for four centuries, to the 'Gulf of America.' The order, titled 'Restoring Names that Honor American Greatness,' directs the U.S. Department of the Interior to update the Geographic Names Information System within 30 days to reflect the new name. However, the change is effective immediately within the U.S., and federal agencies, including the National Hurricane Center, are expected to use the new designation in their documents and maps. Despite this, the renaming does not extend internationally, as Mexico and Cuba continue to refer to the body of water as the Gulf of Mexico. The move has prompted varied reactions, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis embracing the new name in official documents, while the Associated Press has decided to use both names in its reporting. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded with sarcasm, suggesting a reciprocal renaming of the United States to 'Mexican America.' Additionally, Trump's order also reverts the name of North America's highest mountain from Denali back to Mount McKinley. The controversy has led to discussions about the historical and international implications of renaming a shared body of water, with Jen Duggan of the Environmental Integrity Project criticizing the move as a distraction from more pressing environmental concerns.