US users of Google Maps will now see “Gulf of America” instead of “Gulf of Mexico" on the platform following an official change by the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) due to President Donald Trump's executive order.
Users in the rest of the world, except for Mexico, will see both names. In Mexico, only the “Gulf of Mexico" will appear for users.
On Sunday, the White House announced that February 9, 2025, will be commemorated as the "first-ever Gulf of America Day."
Trump said the area had been an "integral asset" to the United States and called on public officials and all Americans to observe the day with the "appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities," the statement concluded.
Fulfilling a campaign promise
The name change to “Gulf of America” responds to an executive action signed by Trump on January 20, fulfilling one of his campaign promises.
"It covers a lot of territory," he said of the Gulf. "'The Gulf of America.' What a beautiful name."
The modification sparked controversy. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum humorously objected to the idea, emphasizing widespread global recognition of the body of water as the Gulf of Mexico.
Sheinbaum remarked, "It will remain known as the Gulf of Mexico in Mexico and globally," according to Deutsche Welle.