Gulf Renamed: Digital Clash

In a move mandated by President Donald Trump’s executive order, Google Maps has updated its U.S. interface to display the “Gulf of America” instead of the traditional “Gulf of Mexico.” The digital update—which affects only U.S. users—has ignited a firestorm of reactions on both sides of the border, turning a centuries-old geographical name into a symbol of national pride and political contention.

U.S. high officials have defended the change. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated, “This update is a reflection of our commitment to honoring official government records and celebrating American heritage. We are simply following the changes as documented in the U.S. Geographic Names Information System.” Adding to this, a senior State Department official, Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, John Marshall, commented, “Our maps must reflect the official records, and this change underscores our nation’s historical narrative. It is a digital affirmation of America’s enduring influence.”

President Trump, who declared February 9 as “Gulf of America Day” while flying over the renamed waters, reiterated that the new label reinforces America’s historical contributions and economic significance. “It’s about reclaiming our identity and the economic role this region plays in our national prosperity,” Trump asserted.

The unilateral move, however, has drawn sharp criticism from Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the decision, asserting, “For us and for the entire world, it is still the Gulf of Mexico. The United States does not have the authority to rename a shared international water body.” Sheinbaum further explained, “Such actions disregard international law and the historical legacy of the region.” In a related comment, Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Marcelo Ebrard, remarked, “This change undermines established international norms and disrespects the cultural heritage of our neighboring waters. Mexico will continue to advocate for the recognition of the Gulf’s long-standing name.”

Experts in international law and geography note that while nations can update names within their domestic sphere, renaming an internationally recognized feature requires a broader consensus. This renaming controversy—echoing similar disputes over the Sea of Japan/East Sea and the Persian Gulf/Arabian Gulf—highlights the complex interplay between digital platforms, government policy, and international relations.

According to official statements, Google Maps will show the “Gulf of America” only for users accessing the service from within the United States. Meanwhile, users in Mexico continue to see the historical “Gulf of Mexico,” and those elsewhere are presented with both names. Google explained that its longstanding practice is to update map labels when official government sources do so, relying on the U.S. Geographic Names Information System for these updates.

The renaming follows President Trump’s earlier proclamation declaring February 9 as “Gulf of America Day”—a day marked by dramatic aerial views of the renamed gulf and a celebration of his policy to revert other names, such as changing North America’s tallest peak back to Mount McKinley. Trump’s directives are intended to underscore what he describes as a reclamation of American heritage and economic prowess.

As the debate rages on, the long-term impact of this change remains uncertain. While some U.S. citizens view the new name as a bold affirmation of national pride, many international observers see it as a symbolic power play that could complicate diplomatic relations. With digital mapping services increasingly shaping public perception of geography, the controversy serves as a reminder that names on a map are laden with history, culture, and political significance.

As both sides prepare for further dialogue and potential legal challenges, one thing is clear: the renaming of the Gulf has transformed a centuries-old geographical feature into the latest flashpoint in a much larger debate over identity, authority, and the future of digital cartography.