Trump's Bold Move: Executive Order Renames Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America
Washington DC (The Uttam Hindu): In a bold move, U.S. President Donald Trump has officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" through an executive order signed on February 9. The executive order, titled "Restoring Names That Honour American Greatness" (Executive Order 14172), also establishes February 9 as "Gulf of America Day." The new name will be formalized within 30 days, with the U.S. Secretary of the Interior overseeing the transition. The order defines the newly named Gulf, which spans the U.S. continental shelf, including the areas bounded by Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, extending to the maritime boundary with Mexico and Cuba. Trump explained his decision in an official statement, saying, "I have taken this action, as outlined in the order, because the body of water formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico has long been a vital resource for our once thriving nation and remains an enduring part of America."
While flying from Palm Beach, Florida, to New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX, Trump discussed the significance of the renaming. He emphasized the importance of restoring American pride and remarked, "As my administration reinstates American pride in our nation's history and achievements, it is only right that we recognize this historic moment and the renaming of the Gulf of America."The U.S. Coast Guard has already begun using the name "Gulf of America," and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has 30 days to finalize the transition. The proclamation also encourages the public and officials to celebrate "Gulf of America Day" with suitable ceremonies, programs, and activities.
Historical Context of the Name Change:
The body of water now known as the Gulf of America was historically referred to as "Mexican Bay" (Seno Mexicano) before the early 19th century. The name "Gulf of Mexico" was later coined by Spanish explorers, referencing the country’s expansive coastline. This renaming comes amid ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and Mexico. Earlier, Trump threatened 25% tariffs on Mexican imports but suspended the move after an agreement to deploy National Guard troops to the border.
Trump’s Proposal for the Gulf of America:
This move follows Trump's initial proposal to rename the Gulf during his inaugural press conference as the 47th President of the United States. At that time, he suggested that renaming the Gulf would better reflect America's historical and territorial legacy. The change will be applied to federal documents and maps, but it remains unclear whether educational institutions will be required to adopt the new name. A video from the White House shows Trump signing the proclamation aboard Air Force One while flying over the Gulf.
Trump’s Broader Geographical Reforms
In his proclamation, Trump highlighted the renaming's symbolic value as part of his administration's effort to restore American pride and reshape the nation's geographical identity. Trump has previously advocated for renaming other sites, such as Alaska’s Mount Denali, suggesting it should return to its original name, Mount McKinley, in honor of the 25th U.S. President. With this latest executive order, Trump continues to push his broader agenda of reshaping American geographical identity to align with his vision for the country.
