The Gulf of Mexico has been recognized by this name since at least the late 16th century, with English geographer Richard Hakluyt referring to it as the “Gulfe of Mexico” in 1589.

In January 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14172, titled “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness,” which directed the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.”

While the U.S. government can mandate the use of “Gulf of America” in federal documents and communications, such a change does not have international authority. The Gulf of Mexico is an international body of water bordered by multiple countries, and its name is recognized globally. Therefore, other nations and international bodies are not obligated to adopt the new designation.

In summary, although President Trump issued an executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico within the United States, this change is limited to federal usage and does not alter the internationally recognized name of the body of water.

5. What Could Happen?

✅ Some conservative-leaning states (like Texas or Florida) could mention the name in state materials.

✅ Federal agency materials (like military or NOAA maps) may include “Gulf of America” alongside “Gulf of Mexico.”

❌ Most K-12 textbooks will likely keep “Gulf of Mexico.”

❌ Private publishers are not required to follow executive orders.