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The renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America launched across the United States on Monday, a mere month after President Donald Trump declared his intention to Americanize this significant geographical feature.
On Monday, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a charting notice confirming its systems were updating the name. This update also includes the re-naming of Mount McKinley in Alaska, previously known as Denali.
According to the FAA’s notice, officials are ensuring that all data and charts reflect the name change from the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, just as they are reverting Denali back to Mount McKinley. These changes are scheduled for the next publication cycle.
This charting adjustment implements Trump’s directive from Executive Order 14172. The order, titled Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness, mandates the alteration of these names.
On January 7, Trump initially announced plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico during a press conference. He later signed an executive order formalizing the decision.
Trump noted, “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. The Gulf of America. What a beautiful name. And it’s appropriate.” His remarks captured widespread attention.
The decision to rename the Gulf received a positive reception on social media platforms. As users began to notice the changes on Google Maps, many expressed their approval.
One user on X exclaimed, “Google Maps FINALLY recognizes the Gulf of America! Isn’t it beautiful?” Another user shared, “I hate Google, but to be honest, mine says Gulf of America zoomed all the way out, and boy is it glorious.” Such comments highlight the enthusiasm surrounding the newly adopted name.
In contrast, some commentators remarked on the speed at which Google adapted to the name change, with one writing, “Google Maps bows to Trump.” This commentary reflects the mixed feelings surrounding the decision.
In conjunction with the name change, Trump signed a proclamation designating February 9 as Gulf of America Day. He completed this formal declaration while flying over the water on Air Force One en route to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.
The White House noted in a post on X, “Air Force One is currently in international waters, the first time in history flying over the recently renamed Gulf of America.” This proclamation adds an official celebration to the name change.
In the proclamation, Trump reasoned, “in part because, as stated in that order, ‘[t]he 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.'” His statement emphasizes the historical importance he attributes to the Gulf.
Google has confirmed its commitment to update the name of the Gulf in accordance with local authorities. The tech giant stated, “We’ve received a few questions about naming within Google Maps. We have a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources…everyone in the rest of the world sees both names. That applies here too.” This assurance ensures that the updates reflect legitimate governmental decisions.
The transition from Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America signifies more than just a new label. This change represents an effort to reinforce a national identity connected to American geographical landmarks.
Additionally, this initiative may lead to further conversations regarding place names and their representations across the country. As cities and landmarks often carry deep historical significance, discussions about such changes will likely evoke mixed sentiments across various communities.
Whether received positively or with skepticism, the name change to Gulf of America has generated considerable attention. This decision illustrates the ongoing dialogue around American identity and the meanings attached to geographic locations.
As the Gulf of America becomes more integrated into continuous discussions about national identity, the impact of this renaming will unfold in various ways. It remains to be seen how residents along the Gulf and across the nation will adapt to and embrace this change.
Overall, the Gulf of America’s recognition marks a significant moment in American history, reflecting the values and sentiments of current leadership while engaging the public in discussions about national representation.
Fox News Digital’s Stepheny Price and Brooke Singman contributed to this report.