The “Gulf of America” is a term that recently gained attention when former President Donald Trump signed an executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America”
1
. This move was part of a broader initiative to “restore names that honor American greatness”
1
. Trump stated that the new name has a “beautiful ring” and is more appropriate
1
.
The Gulf of Mexico, now potentially the Gulf of America, is a vast body of water bordered by the southern coast of the United States, from Texas to Florida, and wraps around Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula
2
. It is the ninth largest body of water in the world, covering over 615,000 square miles
2
. The Gulf’s shoreline stretches approximately 3,540 miles, with more than half of it bordering Mexico
2
.
Historically, the Gulf has been known by various names, including the Golfo de Nueva España (Gulf of New Spain) and Mar del Florida (Florida Sea), reflecting its contested history among European colonizers
2
. The renaming process, however, is not straightforward
2
. The U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) is responsible for standardizing geographic names within the federal government and discourages changes unless there is a compelling reason
2
.
The renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America has sparked discussions and debates about its implications and the authority of the executive branch to make such changes
2
. While the federal government can direct the change on official maps, it may not be immediately reflected on digital maps used by the public
2
. Additionally, the name change may not be binding on states bordering the Gulf or other countries
2
.
Despite the controversy, some states have already embraced the new name
2
. For instance, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis referred to the “Gulf of America” in a state of emergency declaration about cold weather
2
.
The Gulf of America, if the name change is widely accepted, would continue to play a crucial role in the region’s economy, environment, and culture. It is home to diverse marine life, significant oil and gas reserves, and is a vital route for shipping and commerce.
For more information, you can watch this YouTube video about the Gulf of America name change.
Is there anything specific you would like to know more about regarding this topic?
1
www.naplesnews.com
2
www.usatoday.com
وجهتك للاخبار الجديدة