The Gulf of America? Unpacking the History, Identity, and Futility of Renaming an Icon

Gulf of America?

When Donald Trump recently proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America,” the suggestion quickly made headlines, sparking a flurry of reactions ranging from amusement to incredulity. Beneath the surface of this bold claim lies an important opportunity to reflect on the rich history of the Gulf, its critical role in connecting nations, and the practical impossibilities of such a change.

The Gulf of Mexico has been a defining feature of the region for millennia. Long before European exploration, it was a lifeline for the Maya and Aztec civilizations. After Spanish expeditions in the 16th century, the Gulf became a hub for maritime trade, connecting colonial powers to the New World. The name "Gulf of Mexico" reflects centuries of history, culture, and geopolitics, rooted in its position as a shared resource between the United States, Mexico, and Caribbean nations.

Renaming such a historically and geographically significant body of water is not as simple as issuing an executive order. The process involves a complex interplay of domestic legislation, international agreements, and geographic conventions. Globally recognized names for features like seas and oceans are governed by the International Hydrographic Organization and the United Nations. Any attempt to unilaterally rename the Gulf of Mexico would almost certainly meet resistance from Mexico, Caribbean nations, and the international community.

In addition to legal and diplomatic hurdles, the proposal risks creating unnecessary tensions with Mexico, the United States’ largest trading partners and a vital ally. The Gulf is a shared ecological and economic resource, hosting fisheries, oil reserves, and trade routes that support millions of livelihoods on both sides of the border. A symbolic renaming, while attention-grabbing, would distract from urgent issues requiring U.S.-Mexico cooperation—such as combating fentanyl trafficking and other cross-border security threats, ensuring maritime safety, addressing climate change, and expanding nearshoring opportunities that strengthen economic ties.

Historically, efforts to rename geographic features often stem from a desire to assert political dominance or rewrite cultural narratives. However, such changes rarely succeed when they lack broad consensus or serve little purpose beyond political theater. Instead of entertaining divisive rhetoric, we should focus on strengthening the partnerships that the Gulf of Mexico has come to symbolize.

In my estimation, this renaming effort is not going to happen—and it shouldn’t. The Gulf of Mexico is more than a name; it is a shared space of history, opportunity, and cooperation. Renaming it would do nothing to address the challenges we face in the region today. Instead, we should channel our energy toward building solutions that honor the Gulf’s legacy as a bridge between nations and a driver of shared prosperity.

Let’s leave the Gulf’s name intact and focus on the vital work ahead: securing its future for generations to come.