Google maps rename Gulf of Mexico to ‘Gulf of America’ following Trump Executive Order

The body of water formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico has now been relabeled as the ‘Gulf of America’ for US-based users of Google Maps, following an executive order issued by US President Donald Trump.

The decision has sparked controversy and reactions from various quarters, particularly from Mexico and international maritime authorities.

On Monday, Google issued a statement explaining its compliance with the name change, citing its policy of reflecting official government sources.

“We have a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources,” the statement read. “People using Maps in the US will see ‘Gulf of America,’ and people in Mexico will see ‘Gulf of Mexico.’ Everyone else will see both names.”

The renaming is part of a broader move by the Trump administration to reassert American influence over geographic landmarks.

In January 2025, Google also announced its intention to change the name of Mount McKinley back from Denali following another order by Trump.

Former President Barack Obama had renamed the Alaska landmark Denali in 2015 to honor the region’s native population, but Google has yet to implement that change as of Tuesday.

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Trump’s executive order, signed shortly after he took office on January 20, 2025, justified the name alterations as measures to “honor American greatness.”

While the decision has been welcomed by some nationalist factions, it has drawn criticism from Mexican officials, historians, and environmental groups who argue that geographical names should remain apolitical and respect historical and international agreements.

Meanwhile, international mapping services outside the US have largely refrained from making the change, with many still listing the body of water as the ‘Gulf of Mexico.’

The move has raised concerns over the implications for international relations and cartographic standardization. Whether other platforms like Apple Maps and OpenStreetMap will follow suit remains to be seen.

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As reactions continue to pour in, experts warn that politically motivated geographical renaming could set a precedent for further disputes over place names, potentially affecting diplomatic relations and public perception worldwide.