...
By Rachel Dobkin
Weekend Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum responded on Wednesday to President-elect Donald Trump's proposal to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" by sarcastically suggesting to rename North America "América Mexicana."
Newsweek reached out to Trump's transition team via email for comment Wednesday afternoon.
Why It Matters
Trump has already started to pick fights with countries that the U.S. is aligned with, such as Mexico and Canada, ahead of his inauguration on January 20. His calls to take ownership of Canada and Greenland and retake the Panama Canal have caused concern that Trump will take an imperialist approach once he enters the White House. His latest comments about the Gulf of Mexico have heightened these concerns.
Read More on News
What To Know
Trump said at a press conference Tuesday morning that his incoming administration will rename the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America," "because we do most of the work there, and it's ours." He called the "Gulf of America" a "beautiful name."
The U.S. shares the Gulf of Mexico with Mexico and Cuba. Each country controls a certain amount of the body of water.
In response, Sheinbaum suggested during her daily press briefing on Wednesday that North America should be renamed "América Mexicana" or "Mexican America," as a Mexican founding document from 1814 that preceded the country's constitution referred to it that way.
"That sounds nice, no?" she said sarcastically.
...
Trump's Tariffs On Mexico
In late November, Trump vowed to impose a 25 percent tariff on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada until those countries take sufficient action to stop illegal immigration and the flow of drugs like fentanyl into the U.S. He also said that Chinese imports would face "an additional 10 percent tariff, above any additional tariffs" until Beijing cracks down on the production of fentanyl.
Sheinbaum said in response that Mexico would retaliate with their own tariffs against the U.S. if Trump went ahead with his plan.
"One tariff would be followed by another in response, and so on until we put at risk common businesses," she said in late November.
Trump and Sheinbaum did have a subsequent talk, which Trump called "wonderful." He said in a Truth Social post that she agreed on the call to "stop Migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our Southern Border."
Meanwhile, Sheinbaum said she simply explained Mexico's "comprehensive strategy" on migration, adding, "We reiterate that Mexico's position is not to close borders but instead build bridges between government and people."
Can Trump Change The Gulf Of Mexico's Name?
A geographic feature can be renamed through the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN). The BGN says on its website that the name change must be for a "compelling reason" to be approved, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) website.
"Generally, the most important policy regarding names is local use and acceptance," the USGS website says.
What People Are Saying
Brian Winter, vice president of the New York-based Council of the Americas, told The Associated Press (AP) on Wednesday: "Humor can be a good tactic, it projects strength, which is what Trump responds to. It was probably the right choice on this issue."
"Although President Sheinbaum knows it won't work on everything—Trump and his administration will demand serious engagement from Mexico on the big issues of immigration, drugs and trade."
Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene applauded Trump's move to rename the Gulf of Mexico, writing on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday: "President Trump's second term is off to a GREAT start. I'll be introducing legislation ASAP to officially change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to its rightful name, the Gulf of America!"
Harry J. Sisson, a Democratic social media influencer known for his political commentary on TikTok, criticized Trump on X on Tuesday: "OMG. Trump just said he's going to work to rename the Gulf of Mexico to 'The Gulf of America.' This guy is focused on literally everything EXCEPT making people's lives better. We have a man-child as president-elect."
What Happens Next
While Sheinbaum was taking a joking tone when she suggested North America be renamed "América Mexicana," Trump said during his Tuesday press conference that his administration would announce the change of the Gulf of Mexico's name "at a future date."
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
Update 1/8/2025 2:40 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines