Trump Renames Gulf Of Mexico, Declares Feb 9 As ‘Gulf Of America Day’

U.S. President Donald Trump has officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America and designated February 9, 2025, as the first-ever ‘Gulf of America Day.’

The announcement came as Trump signed the proclamation aboard Air Force One, stating that he was making his first visit to the renamed gulf while flying over it on his way to the Super Bowl in New Orleans.

The decision follows Executive Order 14172, titled “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness,” which was signed on January 20, 2025.

The order instructed the U.S. Department of the Interior to take all necessary steps to implement the name change within 30 days. The renamed body of water is defined as the U.S. Continental Shelf area bordered by Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas extending to the seaward boundaries of Cuba and Mexico.

In the proclamation, Trump stated that the Gulf of America has been a crucial part of the nation’s history and economy. His administration sees the renaming as a move to restore national pride.

Trump stated that the water body has always played an important role in America’s development and should carry a name that reflects its connection to the United States.

Following the executive order, the U.S. Coast Guard became the first government agency to start using the term Gulf of America in official communications. The federal Board on Geographic Names also formally approved the change, marking the first official government recognition of the new name.

With the ongoing changes, Google has updated its Google Maps platform to reflect the name change. The company stated that it follows official government naming conventions and has started rolling out the update.

Users in Mexico will still see the original name, while the rest of the world will see both the Gulf of America and the Gulf of Mexico listed.

“When official names vary between countries, Maps users see their official local name. Everyone else sees both names,” Google stated.

Gulf of America https://t.co/7ztxK7kxlc

— Harry Bōlz (@elonmusk) February 9, 2025

The renaming gained attention when billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk reposted Trump’s announcement on social media platform X, simply writing “Gulf of America.”

His reaction has sparked online discussions about the significance of the name change.

Trump’s February 9 proclamation calls on public officials and all Americans to observe Gulf of America Day through programs, ceremonies, and activities.

He described the renaming as restoring American pride and honouring the country’s greatness.

“As my administration restores American pride in the history of American greatness, it is fitting and appropriate for our great nation to come together and commemorate this momentous occasion and the renaming of the Gulf of America,” Trump said.

References: Whitehouse, FirstPost

Source: Maritime Shipping News