Google Maps has changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, but only for people using the app in the United States. This change follows an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump on his first day in office. However, people in Mexico will still see it as the Gulf of Mexico, Google clarified in a blog post.
Google Maps shared three different versions of the same map:
Google explained that the name update comes from the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), which officially changed "Gulf of Mexico" to "Gulf of America" in the US.
Trump's Role in the Name Change
Right after his inauguration on January 20, Trump ordered the Department of the Interior to take action within 30 days to rename the gulf. Soon after, the US Coast Guard started using the new name, marking the first official government use of Gulf of America.
Trump said the change was meant to restore American pride and bring the nation together. A few days later, his administration announced that the new name was officially in place. The same order also restored the name Mount McKinley to North America’s highest peak, which was previously renamed Denali.
Google Follows the Official Name Update
Google Maps then updated the name on its platform for US users. The company explained that it follows official government sources when making such changes.
'Gulf of America Day' Declared
On February 10, Trump signed a proclamation recognizing February 9 as the first-ever Gulf of America Day. He made the announcement while traveling to New Orleans, which is located on the gulf.
Trump called on public officials and citizens to celebrate the day with events and ceremonies, marking the historical name change.
It was on January 28 that the United State Department of the Interior confirmed that the Gulf of Mexico would now officially be called the Gulf of America. The U.S. Board on Geographic Names has been working quickly to make the change in the Geographic Names Information System.
