In a move that's garnered significant attention, Google Maps has updated its platform to reflect the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America for users in the United States. This change comes on the heels of an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in January, which aimed to rename the Gulf of Mexico and Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley) to "honor American greatness".
As of Monday night, US-based users searching for "Gulf of Mexico" on Google Maps are now presented with a result for "Gulf of America." However, users outside the US will see both names, with the result populating as "Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America)". This dual designation is consistent with Google's long-standing policy of reflecting official name changes when they've been updated in government sources.
The renaming has sparked concern and backlash in Mexico, with President Claudia Sheinbaum stating that "for us and for the whole world, it is still the Gulf of Mexico". The Mexican government's stance is reflected in Google Maps, where users in Mexico still see the traditional "Gulf of Mexico" name.
Google's decision to update the name on its platform is rooted in its practice of applying name changes when they've been updated in official government sources. The company relies on the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), a database of over 2 million physical and cultural features throughout the US and its territories, to standardize geographic names for federal use.
The controversy surrounding the renaming has also raised diplomatic concerns, with critics arguing that geographical names should not be altered for political reasons. Some worry that the move sets a precedent for future disputes over international landmarks and bodies of water.
In response to the criticism, Trump proclaimed February 9th as "Gulf of America Day," reinforcing his administration's stance that the Gulf is an integral part of the US economy, energy production, and tourism. The official White House X (formerly Twitter) account also acknowledged the change, posting: "Gulf of America on @GoogleMaps".
While Google Maps has updated the name, Apple Maps continues to display the traditional "Gulf of Mexico" for all users, regardless of location. The divergence between mapping platforms highlights the complexities of navigating geographical name changes in the digital age.
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