Google Maps is set to implement two high-profile name changes in the United States, reflecting the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” and Mount Denali back to its previous name, Mount McKinley. These changes are in response to an executive order signed by President Donald Trump last week.
Google confirms update to landmark names
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Google confirmed its compliance with the executive order, stating, “We have a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources.” The updates will take effect once the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), the federal database for geographic names, incorporates the changes.
For users within the United States, Google Maps will reflect both updated names. International users, however, will see both the former and new names, as per Google’s policy on region-specific naming conventions.
Trump administration’s rationale for the changes
The executive order cites “honoring American greatness” as the motivation behind these revisions. President Trump’s directive argued that renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” highlights the body of water’s contributions to the U.S. economy.
The order also reversed the 2015 decision by President Barack Obama to rename Alaska’s Mount McKinley to Denali, a name historically used by the region’s Indigenous population. Trump’s directive criticized Obama’s decision as “an affront to President McKinley’s life, his achievements, and his sacrifice,” highlighting McKinley’s legacy as a champion of tariffs and a symbol of American prosperity.
The order elaborated: “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.”
Reaction to the changes
The renaming of Denali and the Gulf of Mexico has drawn mixed reactions from the public and political commentators. Supporters of the changes view them as a reaffirmation of American heritage, while critics have accused the administration of undermining efforts to honor Indigenous and cultural history.
This is not the first instance of government-led renaming sparking debate, with such changes often reflecting broader cultural and political tensions.
What users will see on Google Maps
Google clarified that the name changes would primarily be visible to U.S.-based users. For instance, American users will see “Gulf of America” and “Mount McKinley” as the official names. Outside the U.S., both new and former names will be displayed to acknowledge international conventions and differing perspectives.
As the updates roll out, these changes on Google Maps will further highlight the intersection of politics, history, and geography in shaping how places are officially named and remembered.
