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Google renames Gulf of Mexico to “Gulf of America” in US, following Trump’s order. Change sparks debate
Google Maps now displays the “Gulf of America” for users in the United States. The change reflects an executive order from the former president Donald Trump, changing the geographical nomenclature of one of the largest bodies of water in the region.
The decision is part of a Trump policy aimed at 'restoring' American pride in the history of American greatness.
The renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America follows the same principle as the renaming of Mount Denali in Alaska, which was renamed again Mount McKinley after being changed during the Obama administration to recognize the indigenous name.
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The change has sparked debate about its cultural and historical implications. The Gulf of Mexico has been a name that has been in use for centuries and is internationally recognized. Now, at least for Americans, it will be identified by a different name.
'Gulf of America': Google follows official directory
The update to Google Maps occurred because the company follows the names recognized by official government sources. So when the U.S. Geological Survey changed the name, the change was automatically replicated in the app.
But that doesn’t mean that all users will see the same name. People who access Google Maps from Mexico, for example, will still see “Gulf of Mexico.”
The same happens with other controversial geographical names, such as the Sea of Japan, which appears as the “East Sea” in some regions of Asia.
International reaction and diplomatic impact
The decision had an immediate impact in Mexico. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that she would send a letter to Google questioning the change. The country considers the traditional name a historical and cultural landmark and sees the decision as a political gesture.
Beyond Mexico, the issue could affect other international relations. Changes of this kind are seen as an attempt to rewrite historical narratives, something that governments often contest in diplomatic forums.
Apple Maps has not yet updated its name
While Google was quick to implement the change, Apple has yet to change the naming conventions in its Maps app. Searches for “Gulf of America” returned no results, indicating the company may be assessing the impact before moving in the new direction.
Interestingly, both Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Apple CEO Tim Cook served at Trump’s inauguration and donated $1 million to the president’s inaugural fund. But in this case, the companies appear to have taken different approaches.
Consequences beyond maps
The change also affects U.S. federal agencies. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Coast Guard have already updated maps and navigation systems. This includes aviation documents, maritime manuals and safety notices.
The renaming of Mount McKinley follows the same logic and reverses a decision by the Obama administration, which had given the site the indigenous name “Denali.” For the Trump administration, the previous change was an “affront” to the legacy of former President William McKinley.
With information Interesting Engineering.
