Trump Renames Gulf of Mexico to 'Gulf of America'

In a bold move, former US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order officially renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America" and declared February 9 as "Gulf of America Day." This announcement follows the previous Executive Order 14172 from January 20, 2025, which initially set the renaming in motion.

The executive order, titled "Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness," directs the US Secretary of the Interior to complete the formalization of the "Gulf of America" name change within 30 days. Trump signed the proclamation aboard Air Force One while en route from Palm Beach, Florida, to New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX, marking his first visit to the region since the renaming.

The US Coast Guard has already begun adopting the term "Gulf of America" in its communications. The renamed Gulf, as defined in the executive order, encompasses the US Continental Shelf area bordered by Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida and extends to the maritime boundaries with Mexico and Cuba.

Underlining the significance of the renaming, Trump called on Americans to celebrate Gulf of America Day with events and activities highlighting the region's economic contributions. He emphasized the historical significance of the area to American trade and framed the renaming as a recognition of the US's role in its development.

"As my administration restores American pride in the history of American greatness, it is fitting and appropriate for our great nation to come together and commemorate this momentous occasion and the renaming of the Gulf of America," Trump remarked aboard Air Force One.

The change will be reflected in official government documents and maps, though it remains uncertain whether educational institutions will adopt the new name.

This renaming comes amid escalating tensions between Trump's administration and Mexico. Recently, Trump threatened to levy a 25% tax on Mexican goods but paused after Mexico agreed to deploy 10,000 National Guard soldiers to the border. The move to rename the Gulf, thus, takes on added geopolitical significance.