In a controversial and ambitious statement, President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.” The suggestion, made during a Mar-a-Lago press conference, aligns with Trump’s history of asserting U.S. dominance in global affairs. The move has sparked debates about ownership, history, and international relations concerning one of North America’s most significant bodies of water.
Who Owns the Gulf of Mexico?
The Gulf of Mexico is a vital shared resource, bordered by the United States, Mexico, and Cuba. Its 600,000 square miles of waters serve as a hub for fishing, oil production, and international shipping, contributing significantly to the economies of all three nations.
Ownership of the Gulf’s waters is defined by international law. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea grants each country territorial waters extending 12 nautical miles from its shores, with exclusive economic zones (EEZs) stretching up to 200 miles. The United States controls approximately half of the Gulf’s waters under these agreements, while Mexico and Cuba hold rights to the remainder.
Despite this shared ownership, Trump argued during his remarks, “We do most of the work there, and it’s ours.” He emphasized the U.S.’s substantial economic investments and security efforts in the Gulf region.
Why Is It Called the Gulf of Mexico?
The Gulf of Mexico’s name dates back over 400 years, rooted in the early explorations of Spanish settlers. The term “Golfo de Mexico” first appeared on maps in the 16th century, referencing the Native American city of Mexico, not the modern nation.
The Gulf’s name has endured through centuries of history, including colonization, maritime treaties, and economic development, making Trump’s proposed name change a contentious idea among historians and international stakeholders.
Renaming to the “Gulf of America”
Trump’s proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico is consistent with his nationalist “America First” agenda. He described the name “Gulf of America” as “beautiful and appropriate,” arguing that the U.S.’s extensive contributions to the Gulf’s security and commerce justify the change.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Trump ally, announced plans to introduce legislation to make the name change official. “It’s our Gulf,” Greene said in a statement, highlighting the role of U.S. taxpayers and armed forces in maintaining security and economic activity in the region.
However, the renaming effort faces significant challenges. While the U.S. government could enforce the name domestically, international recognition would be unlikely without cooperation from Mexico and Cuba. Diplomatic tensions could escalate, as Mexico has already dismissed similar claims in the past.
The Gulf’s Economic and Environmental Importance
The Gulf of Mexico plays an essential role in the economies of its bordering nations. It supplies 40% of U.S. seafood, supports half of the country’s petroleum refining and natural gas processing capacity, and serves as a critical international shipping route.
Tourism flourishes along the Gulf’s coasts, drawing millions of visitors to its beaches, marshlands, and cultural landmarks. The Gulf’s ecological diversity includes hundreds of marine species and vital habitats such as coral reefs and estuaries.
While renaming the Gulf would not directly impact these industries, it could strain international relations, especially with Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo recently dismissed Trump’s criticisms of Mexico’s handling of cartel violence and immigration, arguing that U.S. demand for illegal drugs and weapons contributes significantly to regional instability.
Can Trump Rename The Gulf of Mexico?
Renaming the Gulf of Mexico would require more than a legislative push from the U.S. The International Hydrographic Organization oversees naming conventions for global waters, and any formal change would necessitate multilateral agreement. Other nations, including Mexico and Cuba, are unlikely to adopt the new name, maintaining “Gulf of Mexico” in their official documentation and maps.
Domestically, the U.S. government could choose to use the name “Gulf of America” in federal materials, but this would not compel other countries or international organizations to follow suit.
