On Tuesday, President-elect Donald Trump talked about his intention to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.”
This came as part of his ongoing criticisms of Mexico’s trade practices and immigration policies, which he claims have disadvantaged the United States.
The proposal has sparked mixed reactions, with some supporting it as a symbol of American pride, while others see it as a move to further stoke tensions with neighboring countries.
‘What a beautiful name’
Trump’s comments were made during a press conference where he expressed frustration over the US trade deficit with both Mexico and Canada.
“We’re going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America,” he said.
“What a beautiful name. And it’s appropriate. It’s appropriate. And Mexico has to stop allowing millions of people to pour into our country.”
The suggestion was quickly backed by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who took to social media to announce plans to introduce a bill that would make the name change official.
“President Trump’s second term is off to a GREAT start,” Greene wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “I’ll be introducing legislation ASAP to officially change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to its rightful name, the Gulf of America!”
Source: Instagram
The Gulf of Mexico, a body of water that spans over half a million square miles and borders the US, Mexico, and Cuba, has long been recognized by its current name.
However, Trump’s remarks were part of a broader narrative about US foreign relations, particularly with Mexico, which he has repeatedly criticized for its role in trade imbalances and immigration issues.
He further argued that Mexico’s policies have led to an influx of migrants into the US, an issue he plans to address more aggressively during his second term.
Trump continues his rhetoric on trade
Trump also continued his rhetoric on trade, claiming that the US faces a significant trade deficit with Mexico and Canada.
He reiterated threats to impose steep tariffs on both nations, echoing his concerns about unfair trade practices.
In recent months, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo have discussed these tariff threats with Trump, though Trump has shown no signs of backing down.
On top of the Gulf name change, Trump also made headlines with additional provocative comments.
He referred to Mexico as a “very dangerous place,” alleging that it is “essentially run by the cartels.”
Furthermore, he suggested the possibility of Canada merging with the US following Trudeau’s resignation announcement, although the remark was more speculative than a concrete policy proposal.
The Gulf of Mexico’s history
The Gulf of Mexico’s history dates back to European maps in the 1500s, and its name has remained unchanged for centuries.
The body of water touches the Florida, Alabama, Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi coastlines in the US, and serves as a vital maritime route for the region.
In addition to his remarks about the Gulf, Trump also hinted at military action to regain control of the Panama Canal, citing what he called “exorbitant prices” that American vessels are charged to use the waterway.
This statement came in the context of Trump’s broader foreign policy agenda, which includes reclaiming the canal and further strengthening the US presence in global affairs.
As part of his continued geopolitical ambitions, Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., has been dispatched on a visit to Greenland, following his father’s expressed interest in acquiring the autonomous territory from Denmark.
This move further highlights Trump’s desire to expand American influence in strategic regions worldwide.
The name change proposal and other foreign policy ambitions underscore the president-elect’s stance on American sovereignty and his willingness to take bold actions to assert US interests on the global stage.
Whether his plans come to fruition remains to be seen, but his statements have undoubtedly captured the attention of both domestic and international audiences.
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