Google Maps Renames Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America” Following Trump’s Request

Following a decree issued by Donald Trump shortly after his return to the White House on January 20, 2025, Google made a significant decision. What could be the implications of this move?

A Controversial Name Change

Google Maps, Google’s mapping service, has recently implemented a major name change that has sparked lively debates. The Gulf of Mexico, located southeast of the United States, bordered by Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Mexico, and Cuba, is now referred to as the “Gulf of America” for users in the United States.

A Presidential Decree Behind the Change

Donald Trump, back in the White House since January 20, 2025, signed a decree shortly after taking office, mandating this renaming. He celebrated this decision on his social network, Truth Social, even declaring February 9 as “Gulf of America Day”.

Google Maps’ Approach to Geographic Name Changes

Google stated that name changes on its mapping service follow official government sources, specifically the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) in the United States.

However, the change is not universal: users in Mexico still see “Golfo de México”, while in other countries, such as Colombia, both names are displayed.

Mixed Reactions to the Change

This name change has raised diplomatic concerns, especially in Mexico. There, President Claudia Sheinbaum suggested renaming the United States “Mexican America”, referring to a 17th-century map where much of North America was labeled as such.

Meanwhile, on Apple’s competing app “Maps”, the body of water retains its original name: “Gulf of Mexico”.