Proposal sparks debate over history and symbolism
President-elect Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” a move he justified by claiming the U.S. does most of the work in the area.
“We’re going to change it because we do most of the work there, and it’s ours,” Trump said during a wide-ranging news conference at Mar-a-Lago. He added, “It’s appropriate, and Mexico has to stop allowing millions of people to pour into our country.”
This statement, delivered alongside criticism of Mexico for drug trafficking and illegal immigration, reflects Trump’s continued hardline stance on U.S.-Mexico relations.
Support from allies and past precedent
Shortly after Trump’s remarks, Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene expressed her support on the social media platform X, stating that she had instructed her staff to draft legislation to fund federal map updates reflecting the new name.
“This is important to begin funding the changing of maps for all agencies within the federal government, like the FAA and the military,” Greene wrote.
Trump’s suggestion isn’t without historical precedent. In 2012, former Mississippi State Rep. Steve Holland proposed renaming the gulf as the “Gulf of America” in a satirical critique of anti-immigrant legislation. Comedian Stephen Colbert also joked about the name during the 2010 BP oil spill, quipping, “We broke it; we bought it.”
A historically significant body of water
The Gulf of Mexico, or “Golfo de México” as it has been historically known, first appeared on maps in the mid-16th century during Spain’s colonial rule. Today, it is one of the largest and most critical bodies of water in North America, covering approximately 600,000 square miles.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):
- It supplies 40% of the U.S. seafood and is home to hundreds of fish species.
- Half of the U.S. petroleum refining and natural gas processing capacity is located along its shores.
- Its vast marshlands and tidal shorelines attract millions of tourists each year.
Critics argue that renaming the Gulf ignores its cultural and historical significance, especially for Mexico and other bordering nations like Cuba.
A political and cultural flashpoint
Trump’s comments have sparked widespread debate. Supporters view the proposed renaming as a symbol of American dominance and self-sufficiency. However, critics see it as another divisive move targeting Mexico and Latin American heritage.
While the proposal is unlikely to pass without significant legal and international implications, it adds another chapter to Trump’s polarizing rhetoric as he prepares to take office.
For now, the Gulf of Mexico—rich in resources, history, and biodiversity—remains a geopolitical and cultural bridge between nations, even as it becomes a point of contention in U.S. politics.