Google Maps Now Displays ‘Gulf of America’ for US Users
"Google Maps Updates Gulf of Mexico to 'Gulf of America' Following US Government Order"
In a surprising move, Google Maps has changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America—but only for users in the United States. This change follows an executive order issued by former US President Donald Trump, who announced the renaming as a way to "honor American greatness."
Google, known for following official government sources when updating place names, confirmed that US-based users will now see "Gulf of America" on their maps, while users in Mexico will continue to see "Gulf of Mexico." People in other parts of the world will see both names displayed together.
This renaming decision has sparked widespread discussion, as it is not the only geographical change ordered by Trump. Another major landmark, Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), was also targeted for a name reversal—though this update has yet to appear on Google Maps.
Why the Name Change?
Shortly after taking office, Trump signed an executive order declaring that the Gulf of Mexico should be renamed the Gulf of America. His order claimed that the change was meant to reflect American strength and heritage.
The move is part of a broader effort to reverse previous geographical name changes made under former President Barack Obama. In 2015, Obama officially renamed Mount McKinley to Denali, restoring the name that Indigenous Alaskans had used for centuries. However, Trump’s executive order reinstates the name "Mount McKinley", arguing that removing it was disrespectful to President William McKinley, who was assassinated in 1901.
According to Trump’s order, McKinley was a leader who “championed tariffs and represented American economic success,” drawing comparisons between his presidency and Trump's policies.
Google’s Response
Google has a long-standing policy of following official government records when it comes to naming locations on its platforms. Since the US government now officially recognizes the area as the Gulf of America, Google updated its Maps service accordingly.
A company spokesperson explained: "We update place names based on changes in government records. US users will now see 'Gulf of America,' while users in Mexico will still see 'Gulf of Mexico.' The rest of the world will see both names together."
Google also acknowledged the ongoing debate over the name of Denali/Mount McKinley. Though Trump's order reinstates the Mount McKinley name, the company has not yet updated this change on Google Maps.
Other Government Agencies Follow Suit
Google Maps is not the only entity adopting the new name. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a notice on Monday, stating that it is updating its official data and flight charts to reflect the Gulf of America name.
Additionally, the US Coast Guard, which oversees maritime safety and patrols American coastal waters, has already started using the new name in its public communications.
However, it remains unclear how widely this change will be accepted outside of the United States.
Public Reactions
The renaming of the Gulf of Mexico has sparked a variety of reactions from both Americans and Mexicans. Some supporters of the change believe that the Gulf of America name reinforces US national pride, while critics argue that the Gulf of Mexico has been its historical name for centuries and should not be altered.
Many people in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries see the renaming as unnecessary and disrespectful to their history and culture. After all, the Gulf of Mexico borders not just the US but also Mexico and Cuba.
Meanwhile, debates continue over Mount McKinley vs. Denali, with many Alaskans and Native American groups insisting that Denali should remain the official name due to its deep cultural significance.
What Happens Next?
Although Google Maps has implemented the Gulf of America name for US users, other mapping services and institutions may take longer to adopt the change—or may not adopt it at all.
For now, it seems that this name change will remain a US-only adjustment, with international users continuing to see "Gulf of Mexico."
As for Denali vs. Mount McKinley, it remains to be seen whether Google will update the mountain’s name again or if the previous change under Obama’s administration will hold.
Regardless of opinions, one thing is clear: geographical names can be deeply political, and changes like these will continue to stir debate for years to come.
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Europe and South America Seal a Trade Pact for the Trump Era
A Deal Decades in the Making After more than two decades of negotiations, Europe and South America have finally moved closer to sealing one of the world’s largest trade agreements: the EU–Mercosur pact. Covering the European Union and the Mercosur bloc—Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay—the agreement represents a market of nearly 780 million people. But what makes this moment especially significant is timing. The deal is being framed, openly and strategically, as preparation for a potential return of Donald Trump-era trade policies. In a world where tariffs, trade wars, and “America First” rhetoric reshaped global commerce, Europe and South America are signaling that they want stability, predictability, and diversification—before geopolitical shocks force their hand again. Why the Trump Era Still Shapes Global Trade Even years after leaving office, Donald Trump’s approach to trade continues to influence global economic planning. His presidency normalized aggressive tariffs, skepticism toward multilateral agreements, and a willingness to weaponize trade for political goals. With Trump once again a central figure in U.S. politics, governments around the world are preparing for renewed uncertainty. For the EU, the lesson was clear: overdependence on any single market—especially the United States—creates vulnerability. For South American economies long reliant on commodity exports and limited trade partners, the risk is even greater. The EU–Mercosur pact is, in many ways, a hedge against a future where access to the U.S. market becomes more restricted or unpredictable. What the EU–Mercosur Agreement Promises At its core, the agreement aims to eliminate tariffs on more than 90% of goods traded between the two regions. European exporters—particularly carmakers, machinery producers, and pharmaceutical companies—stand to gain improved access to South American markets. In return, Mercosur countries would benefit from easier entry for agricultural exports such as beef, soy, sugar, and poultry into Europe. Beyond tariffs, the pact includes provisions on: Rules of origin, making it easier for businesses to qualify for preferential treatment Public procurement, opening government contracts to foreign companies Intellectual property protections, important for European brands Sustainable development commitments, including labor rights and environmental standards Supporters argue that this combination creates a modern, rules-based trade framework that strengthens both regions economically and politically. The Environmental and Political Backlash Despite its economic promise, the agreement remains controversial—especially in Europe. Environmental groups and some EU member states argue that increased agricultural exports from South America could accelerate deforestation in the Amazon. French farmers, in particular, fear being undercut by cheaper South American beef produced under looser environmental and animal welfare standards. These concerns stalled ratification for years. What has changed now is political urgency. European leaders increasingly view the pact as a strategic necessity, even if it requires side agreements, enforcement mechanisms, or sustainability add-ons to address critics. In short, geopolitical pressure is outweighing political hesitation. South America’s Strategic Calculation For Mercosur nations, the deal is about more than trade—it’s about relevance. South America has often found itself caught between major powers: the United States, China, and the European Union. By deepening ties with Europe, Mercosur countries gain leverage, diversification, and access to technology and investment. Brazil, the bloc’s largest economy, sees the pact as a way to modernize its industrial base and attract European capital. Argentina, struggling with inflation and debt, hopes expanded exports will stabilize its economy. Smaller members like Uruguay and Paraguay view the agreement as a gateway to global markets they otherwise struggle to reach. Importantly, the pact also reduces overreliance on China, which has become South America’s dominant trading partner over the past decade. A Message to Washington While no official statement names the United States, the message is unmistakable. Europe and South America are preparing for a world where U.S. trade policy may once again turn inward. By locking in long-term access to each other’s markets, they are insulating themselves from sudden tariff shocks or political bargaining. This doesn’t mean cutting ties with the U.S.—far from it. Instead, it reflects a broader shift toward a multipolar trade system, where regions rely less on a single economic superpower. If Trump-era policies return, Washington may find that its traditional partners have already adapted. Challenges Still Ahead Sealing the deal politically is not the same as implementing it smoothly. Ratification still requires approval from EU institutions and member states, some of which remain skeptical. Monitoring environmental commitments will be crucial, as failure could reignite opposition and undermine public trust. There is also the risk that domestic politics—on either side of the Atlantic—could derail progress. Elections, leadership changes, and economic downturns all have the power to slow or reshape the agreement. Yet compared to previous years, momentum now appears stronger than resistance. What This Means for Global Trade If finalized, the EU–Mercosur pact would be one of the largest trade agreements in history. More importantly, it would signal that multilateral trade deals are not dead—even in an era of nationalism and protectionism. For businesses, it means new supply chains and investment opportunities. For governments, it offers a template for balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility. And for the global system, it represents a quiet but firm pushback against trade isolationism. Final Thoughts Europe and South America sealing a trade pact for the Trump era is not about the past—it’s about the future. It reflects a world learning from recent disruptions and choosing cooperation over confrontation. Whether the agreement lives up to its promise will depend on enforcement, trust, and political will. But one thing is clear: as uncertainty looms, regions are no longer waiting to react. They are preparing in advance—and reshaping global trade without asking Washington for permission.
By Muhammad Hassan5 days ago in The Swamp
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