Google announced on January 27, 2025, that it would change the Gulf of Mexico‘s name on Google Maps to “Gulf of America” for users in the United States, a move that caused criticism and confusion.
This decision comes after President Donald Trump issued an executive order to change the names of several important physical features, such as the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska’s Denali, to reflect better what he calls “American greatness.”
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The executive order and Google’s response
Shortly after taking office, President Trump signed an executive order directing the U.S. Department of the Interior to update the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. This order also included renaming Denali back to Mount McKinley. Google, known for its reliance on official government sources for naming in Google Maps, stated that it would comply with these changes once they are reflected in the GNIS. “We have a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources,” Google announced via a post on X, indicating how Google Maps would reflect this change for U.S. users.
Google Maps: A reflection of political changes
Google clarified that the Gulf will retain its traditional name in Mexico, while users outside the U.S. and Mexico will see both names listed on Google Maps. This nuanced approach by Google Maps to handle international disputes over geographical names shows how tech companies navigate the complexities of global politics.
Reactions to Google’s Decision
The announcement has received mixed reactions. Some see it as an unnecessary politicisation of geography, and critics argue that historical and commonly accepted names should not be subject to political whims. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded with a satirical suggestion to rename North America “Mexican America,” referencing an old map from 1814 to point out the absurdity.
The reaction on social platforms like X has been varied. Some users expressed disbelief and frustration, with one user noting, “Time to look for an alternative to Google Maps. ” Others debated the implications of such a move for international relations and historical recognition.
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Google Maps and legal cultural considerations
The Associated Press has decided to refer to the body of water as the Gulf of Mexico, acknowledging Trump’s new name but not adopting it in its reporting. This stance reflects a broader trend in which global institutions might not recognise these changes, potentially leading to a split in nomenclature on Google Maps and other platforms based on context or location.
The future of geographical names on Google Maps
This situation highlights the complexities of geographical naming in an interconnected world where names carry historical, cultural, and national significance. While Google Maps might update to reflect changes mandated by national governments, the international community’s acceptance remains uncertain. The case of the Gulf of Mexico could set a precedent for how Google and other mapping services handle contested or politically influenced name changes globally.
Google’s decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico on Google Maps for U.S. users underscores the influence of national policy on digital representations of geography. As this story unfolds, it will be crucial to watch how other mapping services and international bodies respond to this change and whether it will lead to a broader debate on the naming rights of shared geographical features.