A major geographical controversy is unfolding after Google Maps announced that it will update the name of the ‘Gulf of Mexico’ to the ‘Gulf of America’ for U.S. users. The decision follows an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump in January 2025, directing all federal agencies to use the new name. While the move has been welcomed by some, it has also ignited diplomatic tensions, public backlash, and debates over the role of private companies in geopolitical disputes.
Why Is Google Maps Changing the Name?
The Gulf of Mexico has been officially recognized as such for centuries. However, on January 27, 2025, Trump issued Executive Order 14172, stating that “all official U.S. federal maps, charts, and government documents shall refer to the body of water as the ‘Gulf of America.’” The former president justified the change as a “patriotic correction” aimed at asserting U.S. sovereignty and economic influence in the region.
Following the order, Google Maps confirmed it would update the name for users within the United States once the change is formally recognized by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN). However, the platform will still display ‘Gulf of Mexico’ for international users.
Backlash from Mexico and the International Community
The renaming has sparked outrage in Mexico, whose government has swiftly rejected the decision. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called the change "an absurd political maneuver" and stated that Mexico will continue using the original name internationally.
In an official statement, Mexico’s Foreign Ministry condemned the move, emphasizing that the Gulf of Mexico is an internationally recognized name that cannot be unilaterally changed by one country. The statement added, "Google Maps must adhere to globally accepted geographic standards rather than follow political decisions that have no legal weight outside the U.S."
The controversy has also drawn attention from UNESCO and the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), both of which maintain the official name ‘Gulf of Mexico’ in their global records.
Public Reaction: Mixed Opinions in the U.S.
Inside the United States, public opinion is sharply divided.
- Supporters of the change, primarily Trump’s base, argue that the name ‘Gulf of America’ reinforces the country’s economic and geopolitical significance in the region.
- Critics view it as an unnecessary and politically motivated stunt, accusing Google of compromising its neutrality by adopting a controversial federal directive.
Social media has exploded with debates, with hashtags like #KeepGulfOfMexico and #GulfOfAmerica trending on Twitter.
How Will This Affect Google Maps?
Google Maps typically follows official government naming conventions within each country. This means:
- U.S. users will see ‘Gulf of America’ on Google Maps within American territory.
- Users in Mexico and other countries will continue to see ‘Gulf of Mexico.’
- International versions of Google Maps may show both names or default to the globally recognized ‘Gulf of Mexico.’
A Google spokesperson commented, stating:
"Google Maps strives to reflect the most accurate and up-to-date geographic information. In line with our policy, we will display the name in accordance with official U.S. government sources for users in that region."
However, some legal experts warn that Google’s compliance with political name changes could set a dangerous precedent.
What Happens Next?
As of now, the renaming process is still underway, but the debate is far from over. While Google Maps is set to make changes for U.S. users, resistance from Mexico, the international community, and critics within the U.S. could lead to further modifications or reversals.
This incident raises broader questions: Should private companies like Google follow national naming decisions, or should they stick to internationally recognized geographic terms? As political tensions escalate, the battle over a name may have larger implications than anyone expected.