The White House shared the modification, which is only visible in the United States. In the rest of the world, the original name still appears
Apple has changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America on Apple Maps, in response to an executive order by President Donald Trump.
This change is visible only in the United States and was announced via the White House’s X (formerly Twitter) account.
Apple Maps’ transformation sparked varied reactions on X. Some users supported the move, while others criticized the decision. The tech company led by Tim Cook has not publicly commented on these changes.
In other countries, the name Gulf of Mexico continues to be used on Apple Maps without any modifications.
Google Maps has also followed Donald Trump’s executive orders and officially changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico, which now appears as Gulf of America for users located in the United States.
In contrast, users in Mexico continue to see the name Gulf of Mexico, while in other countries, both names are displayed. For example, a user in Spain will see: Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America).
This change stems from the official name update by the U.S. Geological Survey’s Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), which adopted the new term following an order signed by Trump
Previously, Google Maps addressed the issue on its X account, stating: “We’ve received some questions about names on Google Maps. We have a long-standing practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources.”
The company also clarified that this policy includes displaying local official names as appropriate:
“It’s a long-standing practice that when official names vary between countries, Maps users see the official name of their locality. For the rest of the world, both names are shown. This also applies in this case.”
Why the Gulf of Mexico’s name was changed
The name change from Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America was driven by an executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump in January 2025.
According to the president, this decision aimed to restore American pride in its history and greatness, reflecting a nationalist vision that reasserts control and identity over territories near the country.
Although the change has been implemented in U.S. maps and official documents, altering the name in an international context is not an immediate process.
For this change to be globally recognized, approval from international bodies such as the International Hydrographic Organization and the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names is required, as noted by the newspaper El País.
Without this support, the new name will not be valid outside U.S. territory.
Before his trip to New Orleans to attend the NFL Super Bowl, Donald Trump proclaimed February 9 as “Gulf of America Day” and emphasized the significance of this measure for the American people.
“Today, I make my first visit to the Gulf of America since its name was changed. As my Administration restores American pride in the history of American greatness, it is fitting that our great Nation gathers and commemorates this momentous occasion,” the president stated.
Claudia Sheinbaum, president of Mexico, after Donald Trump signed the executive order, assured that internationally—and especially for Mexicans—the name Gulf of Mexico will remain, and Gulf of America will only be used within U.S. territory, in accordance with the decree signed by Trump on his first day as U.S. president.
Image: Infobae
