Google Maps updates names for Gulf of Mexico and Denali after Trump’s Executive Order
Google Maps is updating its platform after Trump’s executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America" and Denali as "Mount McKinley."
Google Maps is preparing to update its platform following President Donald Trump’s recent executive order titled "Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness." The order mandates the renaming of key geographic features, including changing the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" and reverting Denali, the tallest mountain in North America, back to its former name, Mount McKinley.
The decision has sparked widespread debate, with reactions ranging from support for restoring historical names to opposition over reversing steps toward cultural inclusivity. As these changes roll out, platforms like Google Maps are adapting to align with the updates while balancing the diverse perspectives of their global audience.
Google Maps implement name changes in the US
Google has confirmed that its mapping services will reflect the name changes once the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (BGN) formally updates its records. The company plans to localize these updates for different regions:
Also, those changes will appear for users in the United States as "Gulf of America". For Mexico, users will continue to see the traditional "Gulf of Mexico" label.
"We have a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources," Google said in a statement post on X.
International users will see both names, accommodating varied naming conventions.
"When that happens, we will update Google Maps in the US quickly to show Mount McKinley and Gulf of America", Google said.
On his Inauguration day, Trump address the intention of changing the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America. Photo: LR composition
The renaming of Denali and the Gulf of Mexico
The renaming of Denali has been a longstanding point of contention. Known as Mount McKinley since 1896, the peak was renamed Denali in 2015 by President Barack Obama, honoring the indigenous Koyukon Athabascan name meaning "The Great One." Trump’s directive reverses this decision, sparking opposition from Alaskan leaders like Senator Lisa Murkowski, who highlighted the cultural and historical significance of the Denali name to native communities.
The Gulf of Mexico’s renaming to the "Gulf of America" has also drawn attention, especially from international figures. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum humorously responded by suggesting the continent itself could be renamed “Mexican America” if the change proceeds. These reactions underscore the complexities of renaming geographic features with deep historical and cultural roots.
