In a bold move as part of a series of executive orders expected on his first day in office, President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" and revert the name of Alaska's Denali back to Mount McKinley. Karoline Leavitt, Trump's incoming press secretary, shared the news on social media, emphasizing Trump's desire to address issues related to immigration and trade with Mexico, which he described as significant factors leading to this decision.

During a recent press conference, Trump described the "Gulf of America" as "a beautiful name," asserting that it is "appropriate" given concerns about illegal immigration and the flow of drugs across the southern border. He stated, “Mexico has to stop allowing millions of people to pour into our country.” This announcement is part of a broader agenda that includes potential discussions about expanding U.S. territorial claims, as he mentioned at a previous engagement, discussing regions like Greenland, the Panama Canal, and Canada.

Additionally, the decision to revert Denali back to Mount McKinley feeds into ongoing debates over the naming of the mountain, which was officially renamed Denali by the Obama administration in 2015 to honor its historical significance to Native Alaskans. Trump, reflecting on McKinley, remarked, "They took his name off Mount McKinley... Now, he was a great president." His comments resonate with supporters advocating for the former name, although the change has met resistance.

The response from international audiences has been swift, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum responding to Trump's Gulf name change during a press conference. She pointed out that the Gulf of Mexico is recognized by the United Nations and suggested an alternative name: "Mexican America." She held up a centuries-old map to highlight her point, demonstrating the deep historical ties of the naming conventions in the region.

While Trump’s plans for renaming these geographic features could influence federal references, experts argue that other countries and international organizations are under no obligation to comply with the changes. The International Hydrographic Organization plays a critical role in naming and surveying the world's oceans, and both the U.S. and Mexico are participating members of that organization.

Trump’s intent to sign this executive order signals a strong push for a rapid shift in official nomenclatures that resonate with his vision for America. As the nation prepares for what could be significant changes under his administration, the implications of these moves on diplomatic relations, especially with neighboring Mexico, will undoubtedly be of keen interest.

For more details, visit USA Today, The Hill, and CBS News.