As Donald Trump assumes the role of the 47th President of the United States, he embarks on a bold mission to transform iconic American landmarks, starting with the proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
The Vision Behind the Renaming
The renaming endeavor is intended to underscore “American greatness,” an initiative Trump has vocalized consistently. By planning to rename the Gulf of Mexico—an area pivotal for offshore petroleum production—to the Gulf of America, Trump showcases his focus on promoting domestic energy advancements. The name Gulf of America emphasizes national pride and the water body’s significant role in commerce and energy.
🚨#BREAKING: According to ABC News, among the first executive orders set to be signed by President-elect Donald Trump will be an order to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America pic.twitter.com/xqIRfF6ofU
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) January 20, 2025
Reverting Denali’s name to Mount McKinley reflects Trump’s esteem for President McKinley, a Republican regarded for his business savvy and expansionist approach. “McKinley was an outstanding, maybe a great president,” Trump expressed, highlighting McKinley’s accomplishments both as a businessman and as a governor.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responds to Donald Trump’s pledge to rename the Gulf of Mexico by referencing a 1607 map and suggesting the United States should instead be called “Mexican America.”
— Pop Base (@PopBase) January 8, 2025
“It sounds pretty, no?” pic.twitter.com/cQFhFaZMhD
Historical and Political Context
Alaska’s Mount McKinley was initially named in 1917 to honor President McKinley, who was assassinated in 1901. President Obama’s change to Denali in 2015 recognized the indigenous title long used by the Koyukon Athabaskans. Trump’s planned reversal reflects his admiration for McKinley’s tariffs and territorial growth policies, considering these policies integral to his economic strategies.
“McKinley was an outstanding, maybe a great president. They took his name off Mount McKinley, right? That’s what they do to people. Now, he was a great president, perfect president. At a minimum, he was an excellent businessman. He was a businessman, then a governor, very successful businessman.” – Trump.
Trump’s economic narratives and contentious history with Mexico underline his motivation to rename the Gulf. The Gulf of Mexico’s critical role in U.S. offshore oil production aligns with Trump’s broader goals of emphasizing domestic energy independence.
Broad Implications of the Renaming
Trump envisions these landmark renamings as a new chapter emphasizing the historical significance of American figures while aligning with contemporary policy ideals. He is expected to sign these executive orders shortly after his inauguration, coupling these with nearly 200 other actions aimed at swiftly imprinting his vision on national policy.
As Trump embarks on these executive actions, the naming initiative illustrates a complex blend of historical homage and present-day strategy intended to bolster American identity and economic strength on a global stage.
