In a move reflecting recent federal directives, Google Maps has updated its U.S. platform to display the name “Gulf of America” in place of the traditional “Gulf of Mexico.” This change aligns with an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, which also reinstated North America’s highest peak’s former name, Mount McKinley, replacing “Denali.”
Implementation on Google Maps
Google announced that the renaming would take effect once the U.S. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) updated its records. As of February 10, 2025, U.S. users accessing Google Maps will see “Gulf of America” labeling the body of water bordered by the southern United States, eastern Mexico, and Cuba. International users will encounter both names, with the traditional “Gulf of Mexico” presented alongside “Gulf of America” in parentheses. This approach mirrors Google’s standard practice of displaying local official names to users within specific countries, while providing multiple names for international audiences.
Similarly, the peak formerly known as Denali has been relabeled as Mount McKinley on Google Maps for U.S. users, following the same GNIS update. This change reverts the 2015 decision by the Obama administration to honor the mountain’s Indigenous name, Denali, meaning “the high one” in the Koyukon Athabaskan language.
Background on the Executive Order
President Trump’s executive order, titled “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness,” was among several actions taken on his inauguration day. The order emphasizes the importance of recognizing historical figures and events that have significantly contributed to the nation’s development. In this context, the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America is intended to reflect its critical importance to the U.S. economy and global commerce. The reinstatement of the name Mount McKinley honors President William McKinley, the 25th U.S. president, who was known for his role in championing tariffs to protect U.S. manufacturing and boost domestic production.
Reactions and Implications
The renaming has elicited a range of responses domestically and internationally. In the United States, reactions are mixed. Some view the change as a reaffirmation of national pride and heritage, while others see it as unnecessary or politically motivated. The Associated Press (AP) has updated its style guidance to refer to the mountain as Mount McKinley, acknowledging the president’s authority to change federal geographical names within national borders. However, the AP will continue to use “Gulf of Mexico” while noting the new designation, citing jurisdictional limitations and the need for widely recognized names in global communications.
Internationally, the renaming of the Gulf has sparked diplomatic discussions. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has expressed disapproval of the change, asserting that the United States lacks the authority to unilaterally rename an international body of water. Sheinbaum announced plans to send a letter to Google, urging the company to adhere to United Nations guidelines and maintain the traditional name on its platform. She also humorously suggested renaming North America as “América Mexicana,” referencing a historical term from an early 19th-century Mexican constitution.
The renaming of Denali back to Mount McKinley has also faced opposition, particularly from Alaska’s Indigenous communities and political leaders. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska expressed strong disagreement with the decision, emphasizing that the mountain has been known as Denali for thousands of years by the Koyukon Athabascan people. She stated that the name Denali reflects the rightful heritage and stewardship of Alaska Natives over the land.
Technical Considerations and Future Outlook
Google’s implementation of these changes underscores the complex interplay between technology, politics, and cultural sensitivity. The company has a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources. When official names vary between countries, Google Maps displays the local official name to users within that country, while showing both names to users elsewhere. This approach aims to respect local naming conventions while providing comprehensive information to a global audience.
As these changes take effect, it remains to be seen how other mapping services and international entities will respond. The renaming of significant geographical features touches upon issues of national identity, historical recognition, and international diplomacy. As such, it is likely to continue to be a topic of discussion and debate in the coming months.
