Late on Sunday, Feb. 9, the United States Geographic Names Information System updated the name of the Gulf of Mexico – a stretch of ocean which borders Cuba, Mexico, and five US States – to the Gulf of America. This change was originally brought up by President Trump on Jan 7, at a press conference while he still remained president-elect. Then on Trump’s first day in office he signed an executive order to change the name of two geographical locations: The Gulf of Mexico was to become the Gulf of America while Mount Denali, the tallest peak in the US, was to become Mount McKinley. These changes were implemented through a bill which was introduced on Jan. 9, 2025.
Although there are many supporters who believe that the Gulf of America should be named accordingly, as it is America’s Gulf, the body of water is not technically owned by any one country. In the US, the new name will appear in documents, signage, federal maps, and agencies – such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Aviation Administration – going forward, but the name will not necessarily appear in any world maps.
“I am confused as to why President Trump has decided to change the name,” sophomore Ainsley Smith said. “To me, it seems like a way to appease his many supporters.”
On the other hand, the other geographical name change, of Mount Denali to Mount McKinley is disputable. The name Denali comes from the Alaskan Koyukon name Deenaalee or “the high one,” Alaska has vied to keep its indigenous name since its first federal requests in 1975, and today both republican Alaskan senators want the name Denali National Park and Preserve to remain. In contrast, the name McKinley reflects the name of a white president who never even visited Alaska. Although the federal designation is now Mount McKinley, it is still marked as Mount Denali in Apple Maps.
“I wasn’t expecting the Gulf of Mexico to be renamed, and was quite shocked that the change was reflected in Apple Maps,” math teacher Scott Cairns said. “I don’t think it is a smart or worthwhile decision and I don’t see the point in the change.”
While map apps have chosen to accommodate these new name changes, many news outlets are choosing to stick to the name Gulf of Mexico which it has rightfully carried for 400 years, according to the Associated Press.
“I was surprised the name was changed to the Gulf of America,” said Smith. “I just dont think it was a smart decision.”
