The newly appointed US President Trump has officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. The change was implemented on his first day in office, reflecting his belief that the new name has a "nice ring to it." Following the executive order, the US government updated its official maps to reflect the change.

Tech Giants Follow Suit

Shortly after the government’s update, major technology companies began aligning their platforms with the new nomenclature. Google was the first to make the change on its Google Maps app, displaying the Gulf of America as the primary name within US territories. Apple followed suit, implementing the change in Apple Maps within the country. However, both companies have taken different approaches internationally. While Apple Maps retains the original name outside the US, Google Maps now displays both names side by side—showing "Gulf of Mexico" with "Gulf of America" in brackets.

Microsoft Bing Yet to Implement Update

Unlike Apple and Google, Microsoft’s Bing Maps has yet to implement the change. However, according to a report from CNET, Microsoft is currently in the process of updating its maps to align with the US Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). The update is expected to reflect the new name across Bing Maps within US territories in the near future.

Limited to US Recognition

For now, the renaming is only applicable within the United States, and international recognition of the change remains uncertain. While US-based users of Apple and Google Maps will see the new name, global audiences will still largely recognise the body of water as the Gulf of Mexico.
This decision has sparked discussions about historical naming conventions and geopolitical implications, but for now, digital maps in the US are adjusting to the government’s new terminology.