Google has officially changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” on its Maps app. The company stated that it follows official government names and has started rolling out the update.
“As we announced two weeks ago and consistent with our longstanding practices, we’ve begun rolling out changes to reflect this update,” Google said.
Meanwhile, users in Mexico will still see the Gulf of Mexico. However, people in other countries will come across both names. This change follows President Donald Trump’s executive order. Furthermore, the federal Board on Geographic Names made it official on Monday.
“When official names vary between countries, Maps users see their official local name. Everyone in the rest of the world sees both names. That applies here too,” Google explained.
Trump Pushes for Renaming
From the beginning of his presidency, Trump made the name change a priority. He believed the Gulf should honor the U.S. rather than Mexico.
Notably, the Gulf is a crucial region for fishing, energy production, and shipping. The U.S., Mexico, and Cuba have long shared control over its waters.
‘Gulf of America Day’ Declared
Taking it a step further, Trump also declared February 9 as “Gulf of America Day.” On the same day, he signed the executive order to initiate the renaming process.
Earlier this week, Trump flew over the Gulf and said, “Today, I am making my first visit to the Gulf of America since its renaming. As my Administration restores American pride in the history of American greatness, it is fitting and appropriate for our great Nation to come together and commemorate this momentous occasion and the renaming of the Gulf of America.”
