The federal government has formally implemented significant name changes as part of President Trump’s directives, now officially renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and reverting the name of Alaska's Denali back to Mount McKinley. This decision was announced by the Interior Department, stating that the changes are effective immediately for federal use and that the U.S. Board on Geographic Names will update the official records in the Geographic Names Information System, as reported by The New York Times. The Gulf of Mexico's renaming represents a shift in how the U.S. federal government views its own geographic assets, aligning with Trump’s earlier campaign promises. The Interior Department mentioned, "These changes reaffirm the Nation's commitment to preserving the extraordinary heritage of the United States," reflecting on the importance of historical legacies. However, the Gulf of America naming may not achieve international recognition, as noted by concerns raised in Mexico regarding maritime navigational references that have long utilized the original name. President Claudia Sheinbaum even humorously suggested that North America be renamed "Mexican America" in response to the U.S. name change announcement, according to Reuters. Denali, named after the Koyukon Indigenous term meaning "the tall one," was officially renamed in 2015 under the Obama administration after efforts from local Native advocates. In contrast, Trump’s administration has criticized that decision, labeling it an affront to the memory of former President McKinley. Critics, including Alaska senators, have voiced strong objections, emphasizing the significance of the Indigenous name and its history. This decision is more than just a change of names; it revitalizes a long-standing debate about cultural representation and historical acknowledgment in the United States. The U.S. Board on Geographic Names will now work "expeditiously" to implement these changes, as confirmed by CBS News while also assuring that such governmental decisions do not necessarily impact international perceptions and practices regarding geographic nomenclature.