Los Angeles: Google Maps now labels the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America for U.S.-based users. The update follows a presidential directive.
President Donald Trump issued an executive order mandating the name change. Google aligns map names with official government decisions.
Users in Mexico still see “Gulf of Mexico” on Google Maps. International users will see both names appearing together.
Official Statement
Google clarified its naming policy in a Monday statement. The company frequently adjusts place names based on government sources.
The name change reflects official documentation updates. Google follows U.S. authorities when modifying geographic labels for American users.
This shift sparked debate among historians, politicians, and cartographers. Some support it, while others see it as unnecessary.
Mountain Renaming
Trump’s order also reinstates Mount McKinley’s previous name. President Barack Obama changed it to Denali in 2015.
The mountain’s name has fluctuated for years. Alaskan officials have long supported using Denali, its indigenous name.
Trump’s directive calls Obama’s change disrespectful. He emphasized honoring President William McKinley’s contributions.
Google’s Response
Google has not yet updated the McKinley renaming. The transition is expected to happen soon.
The company updates names gradually. It first confirms official sources before applying changes to its maps.
Some users already see Mount McKinley’s name restored. Others still see Denali in different regions.
Policy Adjustments
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is modifying aviation charts. Updated maps will soon reflect the new names.
The U.S. Coast Guard has also adopted the new term Gulf of America. Official notices reflect this update.
The U.S. Geological Survey will adjust databases. Future reports will include these government-mandated changes.
Political Reactions
Supporters say the renaming strengthens national pride. Opponents call it unnecessary and politically motivated.
Historians debate the significance of these changes. Some argue geographic names should remain neutral and apolitical.
This decision follows previous geographic renaming controversies. Many areas have seen name disputes based on history and politics.
Impact on Users
Google Maps users may experience temporary inconsistencies. Some updates take time to fully integrate across all platforms.
Navigation apps will soon reflect the changes. Google ensures accuracy by aligning maps with official government policies.
Despite differing opinions, these updates are now part of official U.S. records. The changes will gradually become standard.
