In a surprising move, U.S. President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, a decision that has sparked significant confusion and amusement among citizens of Mexico and Cuba, who argue that the gulf’s historical significance is tied to its original name. Francisco Javier Remes Sánchez, a fisheries manager from Tamaulipas, Mexico, emphasized that the gulf has been part of a shared cultural heritage for centuries, long before the United States came into existence.
Trump's order only changes the name within U.S. jurisdiction; the globally recognized "Gulf of Mexico" remains unchanged elsewhere. His directive to the Secretary of the Interior to amend official geographic references has elicited waves of disbelief across borders. “That man talks a lot, and we have no choice but to defend Mexico,” said Remes Sánchez, who dedicates extensive hours fishing in the gulf each year.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded to the directive with laughter, reinforcing that “For us and for the whole world, it is still the Gulf of Mexico.” Communities in both Mexico and Cuba are taking to social media to express their confusion and mockery over the name change, emphasizing the gulf’s rich history that predates the U.S. and the importance of regional identity. While the decision might resonate with U.S. notions of "American greatness," it is clear that many in neighboring countries are determined to keep the historical name alive in their hearts and minds.
Trump's order only changes the name within U.S. jurisdiction; the globally recognized "Gulf of Mexico" remains unchanged elsewhere. His directive to the Secretary of the Interior to amend official geographic references has elicited waves of disbelief across borders. “That man talks a lot, and we have no choice but to defend Mexico,” said Remes Sánchez, who dedicates extensive hours fishing in the gulf each year.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responded to the directive with laughter, reinforcing that “For us and for the whole world, it is still the Gulf of Mexico.” Communities in both Mexico and Cuba are taking to social media to express their confusion and mockery over the name change, emphasizing the gulf’s rich history that predates the U.S. and the importance of regional identity. While the decision might resonate with U.S. notions of "American greatness," it is clear that many in neighboring countries are determined to keep the historical name alive in their hearts and minds.
