Google Maps to rename Gulf of Mexico for US users​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

American users of Google Maps will shortly see “Gulf of America” replacing the traditional “Gulf of Mexico” label, alongside the restoration of “Mount McKinley” in place of “Denali.” These modifications follow a recent executive order.

The tech giant announced via its social media channels yesterday that it would implement these changes in accordance with its policy of reflecting official government nomenclature. The updates will be implemented once the Geographic Names Information System, maintained by the US Geological Survey within the Department of Interior, officially records the new designations.

The naming change for the gulf will have varying displays depending on user location: Mexican users will continue to see “Gulf of Mexico”, whilst users outside both countries will see both names displayed. This approach aligns with Google Maps’ existing practice of handling geographically contested locations amongst its reported 2 billion-plus global users.

The executive order, signed upon the president’s return to office, was framed as an initiative to “restore American greatness”. This move reverses former President Obama’s 2015 decision to officially recognise Denali, a change that had acknowledged Alaska Native heritage. The reversion to Mount McKinley has faced opposition from Alaska House representatives.

The gulf’s renaming has sparked international tension, with Mexican President Sheinbaum responding by facetiously suggesting that North America be renamed “América Mexicana”.