Google Maps has announced it will rename the “Gulf of Mexico” to the “Gulf of America” for users in the United States. The decision comes in response to an executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025. The order, titled “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness,” directs changes to certain geographical names to reflect American heritage and identity.

The renaming will be implemented once the U.S. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) officially updates its records. In the interim, Google Maps will display “Gulf of America” to users accessing the platform from the United States, while retaining the name “Gulf of Mexico” for users in Mexico. For international users, Google plans to show both names to accommodate differing regional perspectives. This approach is consistent with Google’s practice of aligning with local naming conventions and official government sources.

The executive order also mandates other changes to geographical names, including renaming Denali, the tallest peak in North America, back to its former name, Mount McKinley, for U.S. users. Google Maps has confirmed that this change will also be reflected on its platform once GNIS updates its records.

The renaming of the Gulf has sparked a variety of reactions. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly rejected the new designation, stating that for Mexico and much of the world, it will remain the Gulf of Mexico. In the United States, the decision has reignited discussions about the significance of geographical names and their connections to national identity. Critics argue that such changes may foster unnecessary tension between nations, while supporters view the renaming as a reflection of American pride and sovereignty.

Google’s decision underscores its policy of adapting to official naming conventions dictated by governments in the regions it serves. The company has made similar adjustments in the past, such as using dual names for contested areas like the “Sea of Japan (East Sea)” and the “Persian Gulf (Arabian Gulf)” in different locales.

As the GNIS updates its records, users can expect these changes to roll out across various platforms and mapping services. The renaming highlights how digital mapping tools must navigate the complexities of geopolitical sensitivities while striving to meet the expectations of local users. This move also reflects the broader influence of governmental policies on the way we interact with and perceive geographical spaces in the digital age.