4:41 pm - February 23, 2025
In a recent move that has sparked both curiosity and debate, Google Maps has updated the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America for its users based in the United States. This change is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to rename certain geographical features, aiming to “honor American greatness.” The decision follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, which directed federal agencies to update their records and maps to reflect these new names. For now, users in Mexico will still see the body of water referred to as the Gulf of Mexico, while the rest of the world will see both names listed together.
Google Maps has a long-standing policy of updating place names when official government sources make changes. While the company has already implemented the Gulf of Mexico renaming, it has yet to update the name of the nation’s highest peak. Previously known as Denali, the mountain was renamed by former President Barack Obama in 2015 to honor the region’s indigenous population. However, Trump’s executive order reversed this decision, reverting the name back to Mount McKinley. Despite the directive, Google Maps still reflects the name Denali as of now.
The renaming of the Gulf of Mexico and the reversal of Mount McKinley’s name are part of a series of actions taken by the Trump administration to roll back changes made by the Obama administration. Trump’s executive order criticized Obama’s decision to rename Mount McKinley, calling it an “affront” to the legacy of President William McKinley. The order also drew parallels between McKinley and Trump, highlighting their shared stance on tariffs and what it described as a defense of “our Nation’s values and our success.”
In addition to Google Maps, other federal agencies have begun implementing these name changes. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a notice on Monday informing stakeholders that it is updating its data and charts to reflect the new names. The U.S. Coast Guard, which is responsible for patrolling the nation’s maritime coastal waters, has also started using the name Gulf of America in its public notices. These updates are part of a coordinated effort across federal agencies to align their official records with the Trump administration’s directives.
The decision to rename these geographical landmarks has been met with mixed reactions. Supporters argue that the changes reflect a commitment to honoring America’s history and leadership. Critics, on the other hand, view the moves as an attempt to erase the cultural and historical significance of the previous names. The renaming of Denali, in particular, has been a point of contention, as it was seen as a nod to Alaska’s indigenous people.
As these changes continue to unfold, it will be important to monitor how they are received by the public and how they are implemented by other federal agencies and private companies like Google. The renaming of the Gulf of Mexico and Mount McKinley represents a broader shift in how the Trump administration is approaching issues related to national identity and historical preservation. While the changes may seem symbolic, they carry significant weight in terms of how Americans understand and connect with their country’s geography and history.