President Trump Declares February 9 as Gulf of America Day Ahead of Super Bowl LIX

President Donald Trump officially declared February 9th as Gulf of America Day while en route to make history at Super Bowl LIX. The proclamation was signed aboard Air Force One as Trump flew over the recently renamed body of water, now known as the Gulf of America.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared the news on social media, stating, “MOMENTS AGO ON AF1: President Trump signed a Proclamation declaring February 9th ‘Gulf of America Day’ while flying over the newly and appropriately named GULF OF AMERICA!” The historic flight took place over international waters, marking a significant event in U.S. history.

During this flight, Trump was able to celebrate the first visit to the Gulf of America since its renaming as he prepared to attend the Super Bowl. This event highlights Trump’s position as the first sitting president to participate in such a major sporting event.

The Significance of Gulf of America Day

In the proclamation, Trump expressed pride in recognizing February 9, 2025, as the inaugural Gulf of America Day. He stated, “Today, I am very honored to recognize February 9, 2025, as the first ever Gulf of America Day.” This decision correlates with his administration’s larger initiative to revive American pride.

Trump’s proclamation underlined the importance of this body of water, noting that it has historically been an integral asset to the nation, saying, “The area formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico has long been an integral asset to our once burgeoning Nation and has remained an indelible part of America.” By renaming the gulf, Trump aims to restore a sense of national pride and historical significance.

Support from Government Officials

The former North Dakota Governor and current Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum, applauded Trump’s efforts regarding the gulf’s official day. Burgum tweeted, “It’s official! Congratulations @POTUS on the Gulf of America! Interior has implemented your instruction from the Executive Order on Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness.” This reflects a growing trend of political support for Trump’s initiatives aimed at honoring American history.

Burgum’s endorsement of this proclamation highlights a broader enthusiasm among some government officials for the initiatives that surround Trump’s agenda of making America great again. This enthusiasm can foster greater public and political support for similar endeavors.

Details Surrounding the Name Change

Trump’s move to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America can be traced back to his first press conference as president. During that initial address, he stated, “We’re going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, which has a beautiful ring. That covers a lot of territory.” His remarks reflect his belief in the name’s appropriateness and potential to resonate with American values.

This name change will extend to official federal documents and maps, but it remains unclear if the new terminology will be mandated in educational systems across the country. While the official declaration may boost public awareness of the change, the practical implications are still ambiguous.

A Broader Push for Name Changes

In addition to the gulf, Trump has expressed interest in renaming other significant landmarks, such as Alaska’s Mount Denali. The mountain was originally named after William McKinley, an American president, and Trump has emphasized the importance of recognizing America’s historical figures. He remarked on the reversal of the mountain’s name, highlighting a trend of removing names tied to prominent historical figures.

Trump’s views on this have sparked discussions among historians, political analysts, and the general public about the motivations behind the name changes and their implications for American identity. Underlining McKinley’s achievements, Trump stated, “McKinley was a very good, maybe a great president. They took his name off Mount McKinley, right? That’s what they do to people.” Such statements illustrate his commitment to revising historical narratives that he feels have been unjustly altered.

Public Reaction and Implications

The public response to the Gulf of America Day proclamation has been mixed, reflecting the polarized political climate. Supporters of Trump may view this move as a significant step toward revitalizing American patriotism. Meanwhile, critics may interpret the action as a superficial gesture that prioritizes name changes over pressing national issues.

Regardless of differing opinions, Trump’s branding of the Gulf of America inevitably raises questions about national identity and the importance placed on historical narratives. As societal perspectives on history continue to evolve, determining which narratives should prevail will become increasingly complex.

The Future of the Gulf of America

As the first official Gulf of America Day approaches, attention will likely focus on how this decision impacts regional tourism, public perception, and educational discourse. The potential for economic and cultural implications exists, especially as local communities react to the promotional opportunities associated with the newly named landmark.

Looking ahead, the significance of Gulf of America Day extends beyond just a name change. It encapsulates a moment for reflection on how naming practices can shape national narratives and influence cultural pride. The upcoming observance of this day will serve as a platform for both celebration and discourse on what it means to honor American history.

The White House has yet to provide additional details regarding festivities or commemorative events planned for Gulf of America Day, but anticipation grows as the date approaches. This event could become an integral part of American culture, favoring a sense of unity and recognition of shared history.

Fox News Digital’s Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report.