Google Maps Renames Gulf Following Trump Executive Order

Google Maps has updated the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America”

Google Maps has updated the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” for users in the United States. Mexican users will continue to see the ‘Gulf of Mexico’

The change, which affects the large oceanic basin shared by the U.S., Mexico, and Cuba, took effect nationwide on Monday. While users in the U.S. now see the new designation, Google Maps continues to display “Gulf of Mexico” for users in Mexico. Outside these countries, both names are shown.

The renaming follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on January 20, his first day back in office. Titled “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness,” the directive emphasized that the Gulf should reflect the U.S. rather than Mexico. The body of water had been called the Gulf of Mexico since the 17th century.

Google confirmed its compliance with the order but noted that it waited for the U.S. Geographic Names System (USGS) to implement the update before making changes.

“As we announced two weeks ago and in accordance with our long-standing practices, we have begun rolling out updates to reflect this change,” the company stated Monday.

“People using Maps in the U.S. will see ‘Gulf of America,’ and people in Mexico will see ‘Gulf of Mexico.’ Everyone else will see both names.”

Although the Gulf is shared by multiple nations, Trump defended the decision last month, stating that the U.S. contributes the most effort to maintaining and protecting the waters. “Because it's ours,” he insisted.

On Monday evening, Trump celebrated the change on Truth Social, posting: “GULF OF AMERICA!”

Additionally, the White House issued a proclamation declaring February 9, 2025, as the first official “Gulf of America Day.”

“NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim February 9, 2025, as Gulf of America Day,” Trump stated.

“I call upon public officials and all the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.”

In line with Trump’s directive, Google Maps also announced plans to rename Denali, the highest peak in North America, back to its previous designation, Mount McKinley. The peak was originally named after the 25th U.S. president, but the Obama administration restored its indigenous name in 2015 as a nod to Alaska Natives. As of Tuesday morning, the updated name had not yet taken effect.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) acknowledged the name changes in an official notice on Monday.

“Please be advised that the FAA is in the process of updating our data and charts to show a name change from the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and a name change from Denali to Mount McKinley,” the agency stated.