Fact Check: Does trump change the golf of mexico name?

Fact Check: Does Trump Change the Gulf of Mexico Name?

What We Know

On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14172, which officially directed the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" (Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness). This order was part of a broader initiative aimed at promoting names that honor American heritage and patriotism. The Gulf of Mexico has been known by that name since the 1550s, derived from the Nahuatl term for the Aztecs, "Mexica" (Gulf of Mexico naming controversy - Wikipedia).

The executive order mandated that the U.S. Secretary of the Interior take necessary actions to update federal references to reflect this name change, including the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) (Interior Department Advances Restoration of Historic Names). However, it is important to note that this renaming only applies to federal agencies; state governments and private entities are not obligated to adopt the new name (Gulf of Mexico naming controversy - Wikipedia).

Analysis

The claim that Trump changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America is substantiated by the signing of Executive Order 14172, which explicitly states the renaming directive (Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness). The order highlights the importance of the Gulf to American history and economy, reinforcing the rationale behind the name change.

However, the reaction to this change has been mixed. Polls indicate that a significant majority of Americans oppose the renaming, with a survey showing that 72% of registered voters were against it shortly after the announcement (Gulf of Mexico naming controversy - Wikipedia). Furthermore, the name change has not been recognized internationally, as countries like Mexico continue to refer to the body of water as the Gulf of Mexico (NBC Chicago).

The sources used in this analysis are credible, with the executive order coming directly from the White House and the Wikipedia entry providing a comprehensive overview of the controversy, including historical context and public reaction. However, it is essential to consider potential biases in media reporting, especially regarding politically charged topics like this one.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Trump changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America is accurate, as evidenced by the executive order he signed on January 20, 2025. While the name change is officially recognized within federal agencies, it faces significant public opposition and lacks international acknowledgment. Thus, while the name change is official, its practical implications and acceptance remain contentious.