You will notice significant changes when you visit Google Maps in the near future. President Donald Trump renames the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America and declares a new national day to commemorate the change. A presidential proclamation declared February 9 as “Gulf of America Day.” The United States Coast Guard begins using a new name and increases its presence in the area. Will the changes generate a strong reaction?
Trump Signs Proclamation Aboard Air Force One
President Donald Trump has taken a bold step to reaffirm American pride by signing an executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. The order, signed aboard Air Force One during a trip to New Orleans, also designates February 9th as “Gulf of America Day.” This move is part of a larger effort to restore “American pride in the history of American greatness,” as Trump put it.
The proclamation encourages public officials and citizens to mark the occasion with programs and activities honoring the newly christened Gulf of America. This decision has already had an impact on federal entities, with the US Coast Guard adopting the new name and expanding its presence in the area.
Trump signed an executive order calling for the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America pic.twitter.com/07sMfHbmWn
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 21, 2025
Support and Controversy
The name change has been supported by key administration officials. Interior Department Secretary Doug Burgum took to social media to express his delight with the decision.
“It’s official! Congratulations @POTUS on the Gulf of America! Another big win for President Trump’s agenda to Make America Great Again.” – Interior Department Secretary Doug Burgum
However, the executive order goes beyond the Gulf, directing the renaming of Denali to Mount McKinley. This aspect of the order has been met with opposition, particularly from Alaska. This aspect of the order has been opposed, particularly in Alaska.
He never stops working. Trump signs proclamation renaming Gulf of Mexico as Gulf of America aboard AF1 as it flies over the Gulf enroute to New Orleans for Super Bowl. pic.twitter.com/SYgR313Ttb
— Mother Trumper (@lynnhowlett) February 9, 2025
Implications for Mapping and Technology
The renaming initiative is expected to have far-reaching consequences, even into the digital realm. Google has announced that it will update its maps to reflect name changes for US users once the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) is officially updated. This move ensures that digital platforms are consistent with the presidential proclamation and broader agenda to reaffirm American historical roots.
“Today, I am making my first visit to the Gulf of America since its renaming. As my administration restores American pride in the history of American greatness, it is fitting and appropriate for our great nation to come together and commemorate this momentous occasion and the renaming of the Gulf of America.” – President Donald Trump
As federal agencies begin to implement these changes, the impact of this executive order is expected to spread across a wide range of industries, from maritime operations to cartography. The establishment of Gulf of America Day represents a significant shift in how Americans perceive and celebrate their national geography, which has the potential to influence education, tourism, and cultural identity in the regions affected by name changes.
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