WASHINGTON, DC, USA – US President-elect Donald Trump proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America,” a move he described as reflecting a “beautiful ring that covers a lot of territory.”
“The Gulf of America, what a beautiful name,” Trump declared during a press conference that veered into a wide range of topics.
The Gulf of Mexico, named by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, is bordered by the U.S. states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.
The renaming proposal comes against the backdrop of a tense relationship between Trump and Mexico’s government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo.
Criticism of Mexico
During the same event, Trump criticised Mexico as a “very dangerous place” allegedly controlled by drug cartels.
He reiterated his claims that Mexico “has to stop allowing millions of people to pour into our country,” while threatening “substantial tariffs” on goods from both Mexico and Canada unless his demands were met.
“The drugs that are coming through are at record numbers, record numbers,” Trump claimed, without offering evidence.
Congressional Support for Renaming
Shortly after Trump’s remarks, Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene expressed support for the name change, announcing plans to introduce legislation to make it official.
“President Trump’s second term is off to a GREAT start,” Greene posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“I’ll be introducing legislation ASAP to officially change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to its rightful name, the Gulf of America!”
A source cited by the Washington Examiner suggested there was “tons of interest” among lawmakers to co-sponsor the bill.
Other Announcements and Grievances
The press conference, originally intended to highlight a $20 billion investment in U.S. data centers by Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani, soon pivoted to Trump airing grievances.
Trump accused President Joe Biden of undermining the incoming administration by imposing a permanent ban on offshore oil drilling across 625 million acres of U.S. waters.
“It’s like the whole ocean,” Trump said, calling the move “sneaky” and pledging to reverse it immediately upon taking office. “We will drill, baby drill,” he declared.
Trump also criticised past decisions, including Jimmy Carter’s 1977 treaty relinquishing control of the Panama Canal.
Historical Context and Criticism
The Gulf of Mexico is not only a key geographical feature but also an essential economic zone, hosting vital oil drilling operations, shipping routes, and marine ecosystems.
Renaming such a historically significant body of water has drawn scepticism from critics, who view it as a symbolic move aimed at furthering Trump’s nationalist agenda.
While Trump’s comments have resonated with his supporters, opponents question the practicality and international reception of renaming a body of water historically shared with Mexico and other neighbouring nations.
The proposal adds to the growing list of unconventional moves by the president-elect, raising questions about how they will shape U.S. foreign relations and domestic policy in his second term.
