On February 10, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation officially renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. The proclamation also designated February 9, 2025, as the inaugural “Gulf of America Day,” celebrating the change.
Trump made this declaration while en route to New Orleans for Super Bowl 59, signing the proclamation aboard Air Force One as it flew over the newly renamed waters. This action followed Executive Order 14172, signed on January 20, 2025, which mandated renaming the U.S. Continental Shelf area.
Under this order, the Secretary of the Interior was directed to implement the renaming of the region bordered by Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, extending to the maritime boundaries with Mexico and Cuba.
In his statement, Trump justified the renaming by emphasizing the Gulf’s historical significance to the United States: “The area formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico has long been an integral asset to our great Nation and remains an indelible part of America.”
The White House further emphasized the symbolic nature of the move, stating, “As my Administration restores American pride in our history, it is fitting and appropriate for our Nation to commemorate this momentous occasion.”
Sunday marked Trump’s first visit to the Gulf of America since the renaming. In his proclamation, he encouraged Americans to observe “Gulf of America Day” with programs, ceremonies, and activities that recognize this shift in national identity and territorial designation.
As the renaming takes effect, the geopolitical and economic implications of this change remain to be seen. The reaction from Mexico, Cuba, and the broader international community will likely shape future discussions regarding territorial nomenclature and diplomatic relations.
