Google Maps has officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America for U.S. users, in compliance with a directive from President Trump’s executive order.
Key Takeaways
- Google Maps changed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America for U.S. users following Trump’s order.
- Mexican users will still see the Gulf of Mexico, reflecting Google’s regional naming strategy.
- The FAA and US Coast Guard are updating databases to mirror this change.
- The change is based on official updates in the U.S. Geographic Names System (USGS).
- Mexico contests this change, citing international laws and agreements.
Changes to Google Maps with Trump’s Executive Order
Google Maps has made significant updates following President Trump’s executive order, particularly renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” for users in the United States. This decision aligns with the administration’s broader policy of restoring “names that honor American greatness”. Google follows a longstanding practice of applying changes based on official government sources.
Users accessing Google Maps from Mexico will still observe the traditional “Gulf of Mexico,” exemplifying Google’s approach to apply regional naming conventions. Outside the U.S. and Mexico, Google displays both names—Gulf of Mexico and Gulf of America—ensuring the service accurately represents internationally recognized territorial names.
“Gulf of America” is now in official use on a U.S. government database of geographic names, and on Google Maps, after President Donald Trump last month issued an executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico. https://t.co/CXytAsGdOt
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) February 11, 2025
Mexican Concerns Over the Name Change
Mexico has expressed concern over the Gulf’s name change, citing principles from the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which limit territorial recognition beyond 12 nautical miles from a nation’s coastline. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum humorously suggested renaming North America as “Mexican America” in response to the change, highlighting the diplomatic sensitivities involved.
The Gulf is a major shared water body between the U.S., Mexico, and Cuba, and any minor change in its designation affects international relations. Despite regional objections, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names has recognized Trump’s order, prompting federal agencies like the FAA to begin updating nomenclature in official documents.
Google Maps renames Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America following Trump's executive order
– Only for US users, thoughhttps://t.co/jbdz8UCnAD pic.twitter.com/yrMn8KlezS— TechSpot (@TechSpot) February 11, 2025
Google’s Naming Protocols and Implementation
Google’s protocols for updating names include ensuring conformity with recognized government sources. The new name will officially appear in educational materials and official platforms as federal institutions update their records. However, this name change remains optional for private mapping services like Apple or Bing, many of which have yet to reflect it.
“We have a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources,” Google said.
Interestingly, the order also included renaming Denali back to its historical title Mount McKinley for U.S. users, showcasing Trump’s resolve in restoring traditional American place names. Whether future administrations uphold these changes remains to be seen, although Google’s changes reflect compliance with the current administration’s directions.
