Google and Apple Maps Alter Geographic Names Per Executive Order
On Tuesday, Apple Maps officially replaced the name "Gulf of Mexico" with "Gulf of America," following Google Maps’ similar change on Monday. This alteration aligns with an executive order issued by President Donald Trump on his first day in office.
Apple Maps now displays "Gulf of America" as the official designation for the large body of water. Bloomberg reported that the change will initially roll out to users in the U.S. before expanding globally. Apple has not yet responded to requests for comment.
The Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), operated by the U.S. Geological Survey, provides the official names used by both Google Maps and Apple Maps. In a statement posted to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Google confirmed its adherence to the name change, citing a long-standing practice of complying with official government designations.
The rebranding of the Gulf of Mexico is not the only geographic change prompted by an executive order. The iconic mountain in Alaska, currently known as Denali, will revert to its former name, Mount McKinley.
The mountain’s name was altered to Denali in 2015 by former President Barack Obama. However, Trump stated in a December speech that he would "bring back the name of Mount McKinley because I think he deserves it," referring to President William McKinley, who served from 1897 until his assassination in 1901.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Google Maps and Apple Maps still display "Denali," but Google has indicated that the change will be implemented "quickly" once the GNIS updates its system.
Contributors: Reuters and Fernando Cervantes Jr. of USA TODAY.
Additional Context and Background
The executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico and Mount McKinley has been met with mixed reactions. Some individuals support the changes, arguing that they restore historical names and honor past leaders. Others criticize the actions as politically motivated and unnecessary, especially considering the existence of other pressing issues.
The debate over geographic names often reflects broader social and political dynamics. The names of places can hold symbolic significance and shape cultural identities. In this case, the name changes may be seen as an attempt to assert certain political perspectives and erase others.
It is important to note that the Geographic Names Information System has a standardized process for reviewing and updating names. The GNIS Board on Geographic Names, a federal body, makes decisions based on various criteria, including historical usage, local preferences, and the need for precision and clarity.
The GNIS is ultimately responsible for establishing official names for geographic features in the United States. Google Maps and Apple Maps typically adopt these official names to ensure consistency and accuracy in their mapping services.
The executive order and subsequent name changes have drawn attention to the importance of geographic names and the potential implications of altering them. The debate highlights the intersection of politics, history, symbolism, and the role of official organizations in preserving and shaping our geographic heritage.
