Former U.S. President Donald Trump proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” sparking intense debate. The move, part of an executive order to honor “American greatness,” included renaming other landmarks like North America’s tallest peak to “Mount McKinley.”
The Gulf renaming drew the most criticism, with Trump emphasizing its economic importance as a “flourishing resource” vital to the U.S. Mexico rejected the idea outright, with President Claudia Sheinbaum affirming the Gulf’s name would remain unchanged for Mexico and internationally.
Critics highlighted the Gulf’s shared cultural and historical ties between the U.S., Mexico, and Cuba, calling the proposal divisive. Environmentalists also urged focusing on preservation rather than symbolic changes.
Supporters praised the boldness of the idea, though legal experts warned it could breach treaties and harm regional relations. The proposal reflects broader debates about patriotism, identity, and diplomacy.
