Donald Trump, the 47th President of the United States, has proposed renaming the ‘Gulf of Mexico’ to the ‘Gulf of America.’ He first voiced this idea at a press conference weeks ago and reiterated it during his January 20th inauguration speech. According to Trump, renaming the vast Atlantic-Caribbean basin is a symbolic gesture aimed at pressuring Mexico on issues like immigration and drug trafficking.
When Trump initially announced his plan to change the name from the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, calling it “a beautiful name,” and “appropriate,” he gave the reason that “we do most of the work there… And it’s ours,” he declared. “Mexico has to stop allowing millions of people to pour into our country,” Trump added.
While the suggestion has sparked debate, one critical question remains: Can the president actually make such a change?
You may also be interested in: Donald Trump’s inauguration speech for his second term in office
The challenges of renaming a geographic feature
Renaming the Gulf of Mexico would require far more than an executive order or presidential decree. The process begins with the US Board on Geographic Names (BGN), the federal agency tasked with ensuring uniformity in the naming of official geographic features. Although the BGN does not designate major features like gulfs, seas, or oceans, it can approve or reject names proposed by the president.
Even if the BGN were to approve the change domestically, the international implications present a much larger hurdle. The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), which governs global nautical standards and the naming of all major water bodies, would need to approve the change for it to be recognized worldwide. As of May 2024, the IHO consists of 100 member nations, including Mexico, Cuba, and the United States. For the renaming to take effect globally, the proposal would require the consent of not only Mexico and Cuba but also a consensus among all IHO members.
Moreover, an official renaming would necessitate the global updating of maps, nautical charts, and legal documents—a monumental task requiring international cooperation.
Read also: Panama stands up to Trump’s threat about taking Panama Canal: “The Canal is and will remain Panama’s”
Why is it called the ‘Gulf of Mexico’?
The name ‘Gulf of Mexico’ has been in use for over 400 years. Historical maps dating back to the 17th century identify the basin by that name, with its equivalent translations appearing in various languages. This massive body of water spans approximately 600,000 square miles, bordered by three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Cuba.
The Gulf of Mexico is not just a historical landmark; it is also one of the world’s six most critical petroleum-producing regions. It touches five US states (Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas), five Mexican states (Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Tabasco, Campeche, and Yucatán), and two Cuban provinces (Pinar del Río and Artemisa).
Has the US renamed geographic features before?
Renaming geographic landmarks is not unprecedented in the United States. A recent example is the renaming of Mount McKinley in Alaska. In 2015, President Barack Obama restored its original native name, ‘Denali,’ sparking a debate about honoring indigenous heritage versus maintaining historical commemorations.
Trump has since advocated for reinstating the name ‘Mount McKinley’ to honor the assassinated 25th US president. Any such change would require approval from the BGN.
Original article written by Eduardo López, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Greg Heilman.
Related stories
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Source link : http://www.bing.com/news/apiclick.aspx?ref=FexRss&aid=&tid=678ee155154944488430aecdab9992ba&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.as.com%2Flatest_news%2Fcan-donald-trump-rename-the-gulf-of-mexico-to-the-gulf-of-america-n%2F&c=2547041647777414217&mkt=en-us
Author :
Publish date : 2025-01-20 10:17:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
