In a shocking move, former President Trump declared that the Gulf of Mexico would now be known as the “Gulf of America”.
This new name, according to Trump, reflects the Gulf’s significant role in America’s trade history and its continued importance in shaping the country’s future.
Google quickly followed suit, updating its maps to reflect the change – but only for users in the United States.
Mexico’s Sassy Response
Mexico’s President, Sheinbaum, wasn’t having it. With a historical map from 1607 in hand, she cleverly suggested that the Gulf be renamed “Mexican America” instead.
But this wasn’t just a joke – Sheinbaum was making a serious point.
She argued that any name change on maps could only apply to the 12 nautical miles surrounding a country’s coastline, rendering Trump’s renaming of the Gulf invalid.
The Law Behind the Name
Sheinbaum’s argument is rooted in international law, which dictates that geographical names hold significant cultural, historical, and legal meaning.
By proposing the name “Mexican America”, Sheinbaum is highlighting the deep-seated history and geographical claims that Mexico has over North America.
Whether or not this name will stick remains to be seen, but one thing is clear – the debate over the Gulf’s name is far from over.
A Tongue-in-Cheek Request to Google
Sheinbaum ended her message with a cheeky request to Google: to feature the “Mexican America” label when users search for it.
After all, if the Gulf of Mexico can be renamed, why not rebrand the entire United States while we’re at it?
The move has sparked a lively debate over the power of names and the importance of cultural heritage. What do you think – should the Gulf be renamed, and if so, what should it be called?
Let us know in the comments!