Google updates name of Gulf of Mexico to ‘Gulf of America’

(MENAFN) Google Maps has updated the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the ‘Gulf of America’ for users in the United States, following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The order, issued on January 20, called for the name change as part of a broader initiative to honor "American Greatness." It also directed that Denali, the tallest peak in North America, revert to its former name, Mount McKinley, in tribute to the 25th president.

Google, in a blog post, explained that the update follows official government changes in the US Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). As a result, users in the US will now see ‘Gulf of America,’ while users in Mexico will still see the original name, ‘Gulf of Mexico.’ International users will see both names, with the Gulf of Mexico listed first. The company clarified that the name displayed depends on the user's location settings.

This renaming has sparked backlash, particularly from Mexico, with President Claudia Sheinbaum asserting that the US cannot unilaterally rename an international body of water that has been recognized for centuries. The Gulf of Mexico, which connects the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, has been known by that name for over 400 years.

The name change has also faced opposition from countries like the UK and Canada, which have pledged to continue using the original name. Additionally, while Google Maps has implemented the Gulf name change, the renaming of Denali has not yet been reflected on the platform. Last week, Alaska's legislature passed a resolution urging Trump to retain the name Denali, emphasizing its cultural and historical significance to Alaska natives.

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