On January 8, 2025, President-elect Donald J. Trump unveiled plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America," a proposal that has taken many world leaders by surprise. Trump referred to the name change as having "a beautiful ring," yet it has been met with mockery in Mexico and praise among certain political circles, including Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who seeks to turn this idea into reality.
Historical context is essential in understanding the naming of the Gulf of Mexico, which dates back to the Spanish explorers in the 16th century, prior to the establishment of the United States. In response to Trump's proposal, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum presented a 1607 map that labeled the region as “Mexican America," suggesting its name might better reflect the area’s heritage. "Why don’t we call it Mexican America? It sounds pretty, no?" she remarked.
As he enters office, Trump would have the capacity to advocate for name changes pertaining to U.S. geographical terms. A notable precedent was set in 2015, when President Obama utilized executive authority to change the name of a mountain in Alaska from "McKinley" to "Denali," a decision that Trump has expressed intentions to reverse. However, any name alteration faced significant international implications, as noted by John Nyberg, director of the International Hydrographic Organization, who clarified that no formal international consensus or protocol governs the naming of maritime areas.
In the context of disputed geographical names worldwide, the Gulf of Mexico is not alone. The body of water dividing Iran and Saudi Arabia presents a longstanding contention, with Iran advocating for the title "Persian Gulf" while Saudi Arabia prefers "Arabian Gulf." Complications also arise from the East Sea and Sea of Japan, with each name being championed by different nations based on historical and territorial claims. Similarly, the South China Sea is marked by disagreements as nations assert various titles to bolster territorial claims to islands within the waters.
This proposal not only stirs national pride but reignites conversations surrounding how historical events and cultural identities influence maritime naming conventions, stirring both domestic and international opinions.
