Following President Donald Trump's executive order, Apple Maps has changed the Gulf of Mexico's name to Gulf of America, a move that reflects a broader initiative to restore names in honor of American values, encompassing history and identity.
Trump Administration Renames Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America
Trump Administration Renames Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America
Apple Maps updates the Gulf's name in line with federal order, sparking nationwide debate.
Apple Maps has officially updated its mapping service to reflect the Gulf of Mexico's new designation as the Gulf of America. This change follows an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump aimed at restoring geographical names that exemplify American heritage and values.
The executive order calls for the Secretary of the Interior to take immediate action on several high-profile name changes. One such change includes reinstating the name Mount McKinley, which had been renamed Denali during the Obama administration, alongside the Gulf's renaming initiative. The order stipulated that within 30 days, the Secretary should make necessary adjustments to reflect the new designation.
Trump had previously articulated his intent to make this change in January, stating, "We are changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America," emphasizing a desire to foster national identity and eliminate perceived external influences in geographical naming conventions.
Notably, Google Maps had already adopted this name alteration prior to Apple's update, indicating a broader acceptance of the renaming across digital platforms. The initiative has sparked a mixed response; while some applaud it as a demonstration of national pride, critics argue it may provoke diplomatic fallout with other nations.
The executive directive also includes a focus on honoring Alaskan heritage, directing the Secretary of the Interior to collaborate with Alaska Native groups to adopt names that honor their cultural history. This suggests that further name modifications may arise to acknowledge indigenous contributions more effectively.
As Apple Maps now showcases the Gulf of America's new designation, the push for these symbolic changes underscores the Trump administration's commitment to what it defines as "American greatness" through the restoration of historical landmarks and significant geographical names.
