Google's gulf renaming sparks outrage from Mexico's leader
Google plans to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the American Gulf USA. Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum, has expressed opposition to this decision.
Google announced that the Gulf of Mexico will now be visible as the American Gulf in the Google Maps app for users in the United States. This change does not affect users in Mexico, who will still see the current name.
Reaction of Mexico's President
Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum, criticized Google's decision during a press conference. She announced that her government would formally address the company, outlining the proper process for defining the names of international waters. Emphasizing that such changes should be made by an international body rather than a single nation, she stated that a letter would be sent to Google the following day to clarify this matter. She reiterated that no individual country has the authority to determine the name of an international sea unilaterally.
Sheinbaum sarcastically remarked that she might as well request that Google Maps display "Mexican America" instead of North America. She pointed out that this term had historical roots, as it was used in Mexico’s founding document from 1814.
Controversies over the name change
The U.S. Department of the Interior announced the decision to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico, which borders five states: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. The Gulf of Mexico is also known as the "third coast" of the United States.
Donald Trump, the former President of the USA, first announced this change on January 8th, arguing that "we put the most work there; it's ours." The Gulf of Mexico is a crucial body of water for the region due to shipping, the oil industry, and fishing.
The Washington Post highlights that the Gulf of Mexico has carried its current name for over four centuries. The proposed renaming is intended to "pay tribute to the legacy of American greatness," according to the U.S. Department of the Interior. The department emphasized that such changes reflect the country's dedication to safeguarding its rich heritage, ensuring that future generations recognize and value the contributions of national figures and historical landmarks.
