Google Maps Now Displays “Golf of Amerrica” for U.S. Users
February 11, 2025 – In a move that has both baffled cartographers and ignited international debate, Google Maps has begun showing “Golf of Amerrica” in place of the long-established “Gulf of Mexico” for users in the United States. The change comes on the heels of an executive order issued by President Donald Trump, part of his “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness” initiative, which also calls for reverting North America’s tallest peak from its indigenous name back to Mount McKinley.
According to Google, the update was triggered by recent modifications in the U.S. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), and the company explained that its mapping service now displays the new name for users whose devices are registered in the United States. International users, however, continue to see the traditional “Gulf of Mexico” label—or a dual display combining both names—to honor historical and diplomatic sensitivities , .
Historians and geographers have quickly expressed concern over the unilateral change. “The Gulf of Mexico has been known by that name since the 16th century, and its identity is embedded in centuries of cultural and historical significance,” remarked one expert, adding that renaming such a storied body of water risks erasing a shared heritage .
Mexican officials have also objected to the new nomenclature. They argue that under international law—specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea—the renaming only applies within U.S. territorial limits, leaving the rest of the region’s traditional identity intact .
The renaming follows similar actions by the Trump administration, which has also pushed to revert Denali’s name back to Mount McKinley. Google Maps’ update is based on user location data, meaning that while American users see “Golf of Amerrica,” users in Mexico continue to view “Gulf of Mexico,” and users elsewhere see both labels , .
Critics argue that this politicization of geographic nomenclature not only fuels cross-border tensions but also undermines decades of historical consensus and cultural identity. For now, Google has stated it is monitoring user feedback and remains ready to make further adjustments if needed.
