Mexico’s president responds to Trump’s new name for the Gulf of Mexico

Donald Trump’s suggestion to rename the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America” has stirred intense debate, with supporters calling it a move to celebrate national pride and critics labeling it provocative and unnecessary.

The proposal is part of an executive order Trump signed on January 20, 2025, which focuses on “restoring names that honor American greatness.” The order calls for renaming landmarks to reflect the “extraordinary heritage” of the United States. Among the proposed changes, Trump suggested reverting North America’s highest peak back to its former name, “Mount McKinley,” and renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.”

Trump’s executive order explained the motivation behind the renaming effort, stating that it is “in the national interest to promote the extraordinary heritage of our Nation and ensure future generations of American citizens celebrate the legacy of our American heroes.”

Specifically, Trump highlighted the Gulf’s economic significance, stating, “The Gulf will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping America’s future and the global economy, and in recognition of this flourishing economic resource and its critical importance to our Nation’s economy and its people, I am directing that it officially be renamed the Gulf of America.”

Mexico responds — “It is still the Gulf of Mexico”

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum dismissed the proposal, emphasizing the Gulf’s shared history and international significance. Speaking to Deutsche Welle (DW), she said, “He says that he will call it the ‘Gulf of America’ on its continental shelf. For us, it is still the Gulf of Mexico and for the entire world, it is still the Gulf of Mexico.”

The Gulf, which is bordered by the United States, Mexico, and Cuba, is an essential resource for fishing, oil production, and international trade. Experts note that renaming such a shared body of water would likely require extensive diplomatic negotiations and adherence to international laws governing territorial waters.

The proposal has ignited passionate reactions both online and offline:

• Critics are concerned about nationalism and priorities: Some view the idea as unnecessary and potentially damaging to international relationships. “This is another attempt to undermine historical and cultural ties for the sake of hyper-nationalism,” said one political commentator. Environmental advocates argue that attention should instead focus on addressing the Gulf’s ecological challenges, such as oil spills, overfishing, and climate change.
• Supporters see symbolic value: Proponents of the renaming argue that it would be a symbolic gesture of American strength, independence, and pride.

Adding fuel to the fire, a viral video of Hillary Clinton laughing as Trump announced the proposal during the signing ceremony has been widely shared on X (formerly Twitter). The clip sparked mixed reactions, with some seeing it as a dismissal of the idea’s seriousness.

Beyond the name — What’s really at stake?

The Gulf of Mexico is more than just a name; it represents centuries of history, cooperation, and shared geography. Renaming it would not only require diplomatic discussions but also raise deeper questions about how nations choose to celebrate their identities and heritage.

For now, the Gulf remains as it is, but the debate it sparked reminds us of the powerful emotions tied to names and symbols.

What do you think—should the Gulf of Mexico be renamed, or is this one change too far?