Google Renames Gulf of Mexico to ‘Gulf of America’ for US Users

Google has officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” for users accessing its Maps platform within the United States, following an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump.

In a blog post, Google stated that users outside the U.S. will continue to see both names, consistent with its approach to disputed locations. According to the tech giant, Maps users in the U.S. will see “Gulf of America,” while those in Mexico will see “Gulf of Mexico,” with all other users viewing both names.

Google explained that the change aligns with its policy of adopting official U.S. government geographic designations as listed in the Geographic Names Information System.

Trump’s executive order not only mandated the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico but also reversed the official recognition of Denali, America’s highest peak, reinstating its former name, Mt. McKinley. The Obama administration had recognized the traditional Alaskan Native name Denali in 2015, a decision that was widely supported by indigenous groups but overturned by Trump’s directive.

The renaming of the Gulf has sparked diplomatic concerns in Mexico. President Claudia Sheinbaum humorously suggested renaming the United States as “Mexican America,” referencing historical maps from before 1848, when a significant portion of Mexico was annexed by the U.S.