The Gulf of America? Why Renaming the Gulf of Mexico Won’t Stick

The Gulf of Mexico has a deep and storied history—one that predates modern borders and politics. But despite its long-established identity, history shows us that names are never set in stone.

In January 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump has attempted to change the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. While certain U.S.-based platforms have adopted the term, the international community—including Mexico—has largely rejected it. This raises an important question: Can a name truly be forced upon a place, or do people ultimately decide what sticks?

History suggests that names don’t change simply because someone in power says so. From the Sears Tower (which Chicagoans still refuse to call Willis Tower) to sports stadiums and even corporate rebrands like Google's shift to Alphabet, the public often determines what endures. And then there’s the infamous case of "Freedom Fries"—a name change meant as a political statement that ultimately fizzled out in a matter of years.

So, will "The Gulf of America" take hold, or will it be remembered as another failed attempt at forced rebranding? There’s one clear precedent that suggests exactly how this will go—but you’ll have to watch the full video to find out.