In a move that has sparked international debate, Google Maps has renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” for U.S. users, following a directive from the Trump administration.
The decision aligns with an executive order aimed at updating geographic names in federal databases, including the controversial renaming of Alaska’s Denali Mountain back to its former name, Mount McKinley.
Google Adheres to U.S. Naming Policy
Google confirmed the changes in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “We have a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources.” The updates were made after the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) reflected the modifications.
Denali, North America’s highest peak, was officially renamed Mount McKinley in 1917, but the Obama administration restored the native Alaskan name in 2015. The Trump administration’s decision to revert to the previous name has faced backlash, particularly from Alaskan lawmakers and local communities.
International Reaction and Country-Specific Changes
Not all Google Maps users will see the name change. Google applies country-specific naming conventions, meaning users in Mexico will still see “Gulf of Mexico.” In some cases, both names may appear side by side. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has openly criticized the renaming, mocking the Trump administration’s decision as an attempt to alter historical geographic names.
The renaming of both the Gulf and Denali has triggered an ongoing debate on the preservation of indigenous and local names versus political considerations.
