In a significant update to its mapping services, Google announced on Monday that it will rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” on Google Maps, following the Trump administration’s decision to update its “official government sources.” The tech giant also revealed that it will revert to using the name “Mount McKinley” for Alaska’s highest peak, currently known as Denali. These changes come in response to executive actions signed by President Donald Trump last week, which mandated the updates on official maps and federal communications.
Google addressed the decision in a post on X, stating, “We’ve received a few questions about naming within Google Maps. We have a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources.” The company emphasized that the name Gulf of Mexico will continue to be displayed for users in Mexico, while users in other countries will see both names. This dual-naming approach reflects Google’s effort to balance geopolitical sensitivities with adherence to official U.S. government designations.
Historical context and controversy surrounding Mount McKinley
The decision to rename Denali as Mount McKinley has sparked debate, as it reverses a 2015 change made by the Obama administration. President Barack Obama’s decision to restore the name Denali—a term derived from the Koyukon Athabascan language meaning “the high one”—was seen as a symbolic gesture honoring Alaska Natives and their cultural heritage. However, President Trump has framed his decision as a tribute to former President William McKinley, who served from 1897 until his assassination in 1901. Trump argued that McKinley’s policies, particularly his use of tariffs, made the nation “very rich” and that restoring his name to the mountain is a way to honor his legacy.
Historically, the mountain was named Mount McKinley in 1896 by a gold prospector in support of McKinley’s presidential campaign. However, the name Denali has been used by Indigenous peoples for centuries. The 2015 change under the Obama administration was widely celebrated by Alaska Natives and conservationists, who viewed it as a step toward recognizing Indigenous history and rights. Trump’s reversal has reignited discussions about the role of history, culture, and politics in geographic naming conventions.
The Gulf of Mexico: A name with geopolitical implications
The renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” has also drawn attention, particularly for its geopolitical implications. The Gulf of Mexico has been a historically significant body of water, serving as a vital trade route and ecological resource for centuries. Its name has long been a point of contention, with some arguing that it reflects a broader narrative of regional identity and sovereignty. By aligning with the Trump administration’s decision, Google’s update underscores the influence of political leadership on geographic nomenclature.
As historian Daniel Immerwahr once noted, “Maps are not just representations of space; they are also assertions of power.” This sentiment rings true in the context of Google’s decision, which highlights the interplay between technology, politics, and history. While the changes may seem administrative, they carry deeper symbolic weight, reflecting ongoing debates about national identity, cultural recognition, and the legacy of historical figures.
Google’s decision to update its maps in accordance with the Trump administration’s directives underscores the evolving nature of geographic naming and its ties to political and cultural narratives. As these changes take effect, they will likely continue to provoke discussion about the intersection of history, technology, and power.
