GOP Infighting Erupts Over Bill to Permanently Rename Gulf of Mexico

A scheduled vote on legislation to permanently rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America," a proposal championed by former President Donald Trump, is generating significant internal conflict within the House Republican conference. Multiple House Republicans have voiced their frustration with the decision by GOP leadership to prioritize a vote on what they perceive as a largely symbolic gesture, particularly during a week with a limited legislative agenda. This internal discord comes at a critical juncture, as Republican negotiators are actively working to bridge divisions on crucial issues such as Medicaid reform, tax policy, and green energy subsidies, all in an effort to pass Trump’s ambitious budget reconciliation package, dubbed "the big, beautiful bill," by the Fourth of July deadline.

One moderate Republican lawmaker, speaking anonymously to Fox News Digital, expressed their dissatisfaction, stating that this week would be better spent in their district, attending graduations, and engaging with constituents on pressing matters like tariff issues. They criticized the focus on what they termed "posture bills," emphasizing that it diverts attention from more substantive legislation awaiting consideration. "It’s not what I came here to do," the lawmaker lamented.

The frustration extends beyond the moderate wing of the party. A conservative GOP lawmaker also voiced their discontent, questioning why this particular executive order, among a multitude of others issued by Trump, was being prioritized. The lawmaker emphasized the sentiment among many that the House should be focusing on more pressing issues.

Sources familiar with the House Republicans’ whip team meeting revealed that at least three GOP lawmakers – Representatives Don Bacon of Nebraska, Jay Obernolte of California, and Glenn Grothman of Wisconsin – voiced concerns about the bill. One source characterized their sentiments as viewing the bill as "frivolous or not serious."

Representative Bacon confirmed that he had heard criticisms from across the ideological spectrum within the conference, stating, "Conservatives to pragmatic ones." He went on to describe the bill as "sophomoric," adding, "The United States is bigger and better than this." Bacon is actively involved in advocating for a restrained approach to Medicaid cuts within Trump’s multitrillion-dollar budget bill, an issue that has further divided the GOP caucus.

Representative Grothman declined to comment directly on his concerns, stating that it was "behind-the-scenes stuff." Representative Obernolte’s office did not respond to requests for comment.

While the concerns have not been expressed by a large segment of the overall conference, any degree of defections poses a significant challenge, given the GOP’s narrow majority in the House. With full attendance, Speaker Mike Johnson can only afford to lose three votes to pass legislation along party lines.

The internal struggle also reflects the enduring influence of former President Trump within the Republican Party and the growing weariness among some lawmakers regarding his continued dominance on Capitol Hill.

Despite the expressed concerns, it remains uncertain whether the lawmakers who have voiced their reservations will ultimately vote against the bill, particularly given the pressure exerted by House GOP leaders. One House Republican, speaking anonymously, acknowledged the frustrations but stated, "It’s not the hill to die on."

Meanwhile, allies of former President Trump have defended the bill as a crucial element of his agenda. Trump himself has frequently promoted his "Gulf of America" name change and even declared February 9th as "Gulf of America Day." Speaker Mike Johnson defended the move by pointing to several prior bills passed by congressional Republicans that codified Trump’s executive orders.

He highlighted the SAVE Act, which codified the president’s election security executive order; the Women and Girls in Sports Act, which codified the executive order banning men from women’s sports; the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act, which supported Israel by codifying sanctions on the International Criminal Court; and the Fix Our Forests Act, which codified his forest management executive order.

Johnson stated that the House would add another bill to the list by passing Marjorie Taylor Greene’s bill to permanently rename the Gulf of Mexico and then codify additional Trump budget-related executive orders through the budget reconciliation process.

The "Gulf of America Act" was introduced by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a prominent Trump ally. In response to concerns raised by some GOP lawmakers, Greene asserted that codifying the renaming of the Gulf was a priority for both her, President Trump and the American people. She emphasized that American taxpayers fund its protection, the military defends its waters, and American businesses fuel its economy.

Greene challenged moderate Republicans to suggest alternative priorities and reiterated her commitment to codifying every executive order issued by President Trump.

The House is also scheduled to vote on a bill aimed at curbing Chinese influence in the U.S. through Confucius Institutes. This bill is slated for a vote on Thursday morning.

Representative Jimmy Patronis of Florida expressed his support for the speaker on social media, stating that the name change would be a tremendous economic driver for his district and attract families across the country to the Florida Panhandle.

A White House official, responding to the GOP concerns, reiterated that the codification of the president’s executive orders remained a priority for the administration. The official stated that Congress could pass this legislation while simultaneously working on the larger budget bill, emphasizing that the bill sent a clear message that the elected leadership of the United States celebrates the nation and its people.