MEXICO CITY — U.S. President Donald Trump's recent declaration about renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" has garnered mixed reactions, primarily amusement from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. "He says that he will call it the Gulf of America on its continental shelf," Sheinbaum stated while asserting, "For us it is still the Gulf of Mexico, and for the entire world, it is still the Gulf of Mexico," according to AP News.

During his inaugural address, Trump expressed his intent, claiming, "What a beautiful name. And it's appropriate," as he emphasized the need for tighter immigration controls. His executive order mandates that within 30 days, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior will rename the U.S. Continental Shelf in the area bounded by several Gulf states extending seaward towards Mexico and Cuba. This proposal mirrors the persistent naming disputes that have historically sparked tension between the U.S. and Mexico, such as the differing names for the river forming the border: the Rio Grande in the U.S. and the Rio Bravo in Mexico.

While the idea drew laughter from figures including Hillary Clinton, questions arise about the feasibility of such a name change. Without a formal international protocol regulating maritime names, the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) plays a limited role in standardizing names and mediating disputes. Therefore, while a U.S. directive could alter official documents, global acceptance of the new name is unlikely. It comes as no surprise that Sheinbaum humorously suggested that if Trump is renaming bodies of water, Mexico might as well call North America "América Mexicana," emphasizing the absurdity of the situation. As international relations unfold, Trump's proposal will be a fascinating topic to watch.

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