Google Maps to Reflect Name Change of Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America
Google Maps is set to update its platform to reflect a recent executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. The change follows a directive signed by former President Donald Trump, emphasizing the renaming as part of an initiative to “honour American greatness.”
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Google confirmed that it adheres to a policy of aligning with official government sources for geographical naming updates. Once the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), a federal database for names and location data, incorporates the change, Google Maps will display the new designation.
Updates to National Landmarks
In addition to the Gulf’s renaming, the executive order reversed a decision made during Barack Obama’s presidency, restoring the name of Mount McKinley from Denali. The 2015 renaming of the peak was intended to honour the Indigenous Alaskan population, but the executive order described it as “an affront to President McKinley’s life and achievements.”
The order draws parallels between McKinley’s legacy, including his promotion of tariffs and his assassination as “an attack on our Nation’s values,” and the contributions of the Gulf of Mexico to the U.S. economy, asserting its new name underscores its importance to the country.
Geographical Name Visibility
Google clarified that the name changes will only appear for users in the United States. International users will continue to see both the original and new names due to the platform’s approach to localizing official names across different regions.
The renaming initiative has sparked discussion about the historical and cultural implications of altering landmark names and their impact on national identity. Google’s updates aim to reflect the government’s stance while maintaining accuracy for global users.