Key highlights from the unfolding situation:

• President Trump's executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America faces backlash from Mexico.
• Google Maps will implement this change for US users, but users in Mexico will still see the original name.
• Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum criticizes the name change and announces a formal inquiry to Google.

The recent executive order by President Donald Trump to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America has stirred considerable controversy, particularly in Mexico, where officials strongly oppose the change. As reported by Business Insider, Trump issued the directive during his inauguration, labeling it as part of a broader initiative to "restore names that honor American greatness." The order affects not only the gulf but also aims to revert the name of the highest mountain in North America back to Mount McKinley from Denali.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her disdain for the name change at a press conference, stating that the Gulf of Mexico remains unchanged in international waters. "The Gulf of Mexico is still the Gulf of Mexico," she reiterated to the media, as highlighted by CNN. Sheinbaum's remarks reflect the sentiments of many Mexicans who have mocked the decision on social media, interpreting it as an overreach of authority.

In a formal response, Mexico's government plans to send a letter to Google questioning its compliance with the name change. The portrayal of the gulf in Google Maps could potentially redefine cultural perceptions and create confusion, as noted in a report by The Hill. Google has indicated that it will reflect the name Gulf of America for US users, while users in Mexico will continue to see the original name, ensuring that international users see both names. This aligns with Google's policy of adapting names based on their geographical location, as confirmed in a statement regarding their mapping practices.

The scenario mirrors similar past disputes over geographic naming conventions. Like the centuries-old dispute between Iran and Arab nations regarding the Persian versus Arabian Gulf, or the conflicting titles for the Sea of Japan and East Sea between Japan and Korea, Google's decision to accommodate Trump’s change while retaining local names suggests an attempt to appease conflicting national perspectives, a point also raised by India Times.

It is important to note that while the renaming may aim to assert American identity, the global reception remains sceptical, especially from Mexico, where sentiments regarding historical claims and sovereignty remain strong. Observers and legal experts urge caution, emphasizing that altering widely recognized geographical names is a complex process, both politically and culturally, as outlined in The Guardian.

The unfolding developments prompt considerable debate on how digital platforms like Google Maps navigate contentious geography and implement politically charged naming conventions. The ultimate outcome will likely hinge not only on current political dialogues but also on broader public sentiments as communities grapple with these shifts in perception.

For further details, refer to the original articles from sources such as Al Jazeera, among others.