# Google Maps Set to Change Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America Following Trump’s Executive Order
In a development that has ignited widespread conversation, Google has revealed plans to alter the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” on its Google Maps service in the United States. This initiative follows an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump on January 20, honoring a campaign pledge to rebrand the prominent body of water. The modification will apply solely to U.S. users, with the name unchanged for those in Mexico and other regions.
## **Key Information**
– Google verified the name alteration through a post on X (formerly Twitter), announcing that it will revise Google Maps to incorporate the new title for U.S. audiences.
– The transition depends on updates to the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), the federal repository responsible for standardizing geographic names across the U.S.
– The rebranding is part of a larger initiative by the Trump administration to restore specific historical names, such as renaming Denali back to Mount McKinley.
## **The Executive Order and Its Consequences**
The executive order enacted by Trump mandated federal agencies to adopt the designation “Gulf of America” for all official U.S. government communications and maps. The directive also reinstated the name Mount McKinley for North America’s highest mountain, reversing a prior decision made during President Barack Obama’s tenure to honor the Alaskan native name, Denali.
In a statement, the Interior Department indicated, “As instructed by the President, the Gulf of Mexico will now be officially recognized as the Gulf of America, and North America’s tallest peak will once again carry the name Mount McKinley.” This action has been positioned as a tribute to American heritage and a realization of Trump’s promise to “put America first.”
## **Google’s Involvement in the Name Change**
Google’s choice to enact the name change aligns with its continuing policy of updating geographic names based on official government references. In a post on X, the technology giant asserted, “We have a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources.”
The company noted that the alteration would take effect once GNIS updates its records. GNIS, overseen by the U.S. Geological Survey, collaborates closely with federal entities to standardize geographic names for official purposes. Google also pointed out that when geographic names vary by country, its platform generally displays the local name for users in that area while showing both names to users in other regions.
## **A Controversial Decision**
The renaming of the Gulf of Mexico has already ignited debates among historians, geographers, and the broader public. Critics argue that the Gulf of Mexico’s name is deeply entrenched in history, tracing back to early Spanish explorers who named it in the 16th century. They maintain that altering the name diminishes the cultural and historical importance of the region.
Conversely, proponents of the change see it as a patriotic act that bolsters American identity. “This is about reclaiming our heritage and asserting our sovereignty,” remarked one supporter on social media.
## **Effect on Google Maps and Beyond**
Although Google has not stated a specific timeline for when the updates will be visible on Google Maps, the company underscored that it would execute the change as soon as GNIS finalizes the new designation. For U.S. users, the Gulf of Mexico will appear as the Gulf of America, while Mexican users will continue to see the original name.
The renaming of Denali back to Mount McKinley will also be represented on Google Maps, further aligning the platform with the directives issued by the Trump administration.
## **Future Developments**
The renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America is poised to remain a contentious subject, affecting cartography, international relations, and cultural identity. As Google gears up to implement the changes, the discussion surrounding the appropriateness and significance of the rebranding is anticipated to grow.
For the time being, users of Google Maps in the United States can expect to see the new name soon, pending updates from GNIS. Whether this change will resonate with the public or encounter ongoing opposition is yet to be determined.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
