Gulf of Mexico Renamed "Gulf of America" by Trump Administration
Formal Designation:
The United States Board on Geographic Names has officially changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, following an executive order issued by President Donald Trump. The change is now effective across all federal government agencies and has been implemented in the Geographic Names Information System and Google Maps.
International Response:
The name change has not been recognized by other countries. Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, has vowed to ignore the order and has asked others to do the same. She has also jokingly suggested calling the United States "Mexican America" in retaliation.
International Precedent:
It is not uncommon for different countries to use different names for the same geographical features. For example, the Falkland Islands, a disputed chain of islands off South America, are referred to as the Islas Malvinas by Argentina, which also claims the islands.
Mount McKinley Restored:
In addition to renaming the Gulf of Mexico, the Trump administration has also changed the name of North America’s tallest mountain back to Mount McKinley. The mountain had been known as Denali by Alaskan officials since 2015, when President Barack Obama aligned it. Trump has criticized Obama’s action, citing President McKinley’s achievements and his use of tariffs.
Historical Context:
President McKinley, a Republican, expanded the United States’ territorial gains by adding Puerto Rico, Guam, the Philippines, and Hawaii. Trump has expressed his admiration for McKinley’s expansionist policies and has suggested annexing Greenland and making Canada the 51st state.
Environmental Implications:
The name change of the Gulf of Mexico has no impact on environmental regulations or policies. The Gulf remains under the jurisdiction of the United States and is subject to the same environmental protection laws.
Reactions:
The name change has been met with mixed reactions. Some critics argue that it is an unnecessary and divisive political move that disrespects Mexico and other countries. Others support the change, believing that it is a more appropriate and patriotic name for the body of water that forms part of the United States coastline.
Conclusion:
The formal name change of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America is a political move that has not been widely accepted internationally. The name change has no impact on environmental regulations or policies. However, it does raise questions about the Trump administration’s priorities and its relationship with Mexico and other countries.
