Google Maps Updates Gulf of Mexico Name for US Users In a recent and unexpected move, Google Maps has renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America for users accessing the service in the United States. The change, which has sparked debate across social and political circles, aligns with a directive issued by the U.S. government. However, Google has stated that the original name remains intact for users in Mexico and other parts of the world.
This decision has led to discussions on why Google changed the Gulf of Mexico’s name, its implications, and how it affects international relations, particularly with Mexico. Below, we explore the key aspects of this renaming, its background, and the response from different stakeholders.
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Why Did Google Change Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America?
Google’s decision to update the name of the Gulf is tied to an executive order signed by former U.S. President Donald Trump upon his return to office in January 2025. The order mandates that U.S. government agencies refer to the body of water as the “Gulf of America” in official documents. As a company that follows government-approved geographic naming conventions, Google updated its maps accordingly.
Google clarified that this move is part of its “longstanding practice” of reflecting official government-recognized names. However, for users in Mexico, the name remains Gulf of Mexico, and for international users, Google displays “Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America)”.
What Does the Executive Order Say?
According to the U.S. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), which is managed by the Department of the Interior, the new listing for the Gulf states:
“The Gulf of America, formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico, with an average depth of 5,300 feet, is a major body of water bordered and nearly landlocked by North America, with the Gulf’s eastern, northern, and northwestern shores in the U.S. and its southwestern and southern shores in Mexico.”
The order was signed on January 20, 2025, under the rationale of “restoring names that honor American greatness.”
International Reactions and Mexican Opposition
The Mexican government has strongly opposed this renaming, arguing that the U.S. does not have the legal authority to unilaterally change the name of an international body of water.
President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico issued a formal protest, stating:
“The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea clearly defines international waters. The U.S. cannot arbitrarily change the name of the Gulf, which has historical, geographical, and cultural significance beyond its borders.”
Mexico has also requested Google reconsider the renaming on its platform, citing concerns about misinformation and diplomatic tensions.
Google Maps and Public Response
Google’s renaming of the Gulf has caused a stir online, particularly on Reddit and other social media platforms. Users have debated the political motivations behind the move, with some expressing concern over historical revisionism.
A Reddit thread titled “Google Maps Gulf of America Controversy” gained traction, with thousands of comments questioning the accuracy and ethics of such a change. Some users pointed out that Google previously faced criticism for updating map names based on political pressures in various countries.
Many people have also searched for terms like “Who owns the Gulf of Mexico?” and “Gulf of America reviews on Google”, as they seek more clarity on the matter.
AP Refuses to Adopt the New Name
Despite the executive order, The Associated Press (AP) has stated that it will not change the name of the Gulf of Mexico in its reporting. The news organization maintains a strict editorial policy that adheres to widely recognized geographic names rather than politically influenced rebranding.
As a result of this stance, the White House reportedly denied an AP reporter access to a presidential event, leading to concerns about press freedom. AP’s Executive Editor Julie Pace responded:
“It is alarming that the administration would punish AP for its independent journalism. Restricting access based on content is a violation of the First Amendment.”
Comparisons to Other Geographic Renamings
This renaming echoes previous disputes over place names in the U.S. and beyond:
- Denali vs. Mount McKinley – Trump’s 2025 executive order also seeks to revert Denali (North America’s tallest mountain) back to Mount McKinley, reversing an Obama-era decision.
- Sea of Japan vs. East Sea – South Korea has long opposed the name “Sea of Japan,” advocating for “East Sea” to be recognized internationally.
- Macedonia vs. North Macedonia – A political compromise renamed the country from “Macedonia” to “North Macedonia” to settle disputes with Greece.
These cases illustrate how geographic names hold deep political and cultural significance, often leading to controversy and diplomatic disputes.
What Happens Next?
For Google Maps Users:
- In the U.S.: The Gulf appears as the Gulf of America.
- In Mexico & Canada: The original name, Gulf of Mexico, is unchanged.
- For international users: The map shows “Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America)”.
Potential Future Changes:
- If a new administration takes office in the U.S., it may reverse the executive order, prompting Google to restore the original name.
- International pressure, particularly from Mexico and the United Nations, could influence Google’s final stance on the name.
Conclusion
The renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America on Google Maps has sparked significant controversy. While the change aligns with U.S. government policy, it has drawn backlash from Mexico, international organizations, and independent media outlets like the AP.
Google’s role in following official sources versus maintaining historical accuracy is now under scrutiny, and this debate highlights how digital platforms influence geographic perception.
As global reactions continue to unfold, users worldwide are watching closely to see whether this renaming becomes permanent or another politically motivated change that gets reversed in the future.
