Trump's Gulf Gambit: 8 Shocking Headlines About the 'Gulf of America'

President Donald Trump's decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America" has stirred intense debate and reactions across political, cultural, and international spheres.

This historic move, executed through one of his first executive orders upon returning to office, has been framed as a symbolic assertion of American sovereignty and pride (we love it!).

Below is a roundup of the top 8 articles covering this significant development, each with its initial quote and summary.

1. AP News: "We’re going to keep them out until such time as they agree that it’s the Gulf of America," Trump said.
   

   
   President Trump announced that The Associated Press (AP) would face restricted access to White House events until it adopted the "Gulf of America" terminology. This marks the first time Trump directly addressed the issue since AP journalists were barred from covering his events. The AP has maintained its use of "Gulf of Mexico," citing global recognition standards.
   
   Source: https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2025-02-18/trump-says-ap-will-continue-to-be-curtailed-at-white-house-until-it-changes-style-to-gulf-of-america
   

2. HuffPost: "It’s ours," the incoming president claimed about the ocean basin.
   

   
   President-elect Trump declared his intent to rename the Gulf of Mexico during a press conference, emphasizing its American significance. He described the name change as fitting and symbolic, citing U.S. dominance in operations within the gulf. Critics have linked this decision to his broader nationalist agenda. 
   
   Source: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-gulf-of-mexico-america-name_n_677d67f1e4b07acf439cd686
   
   

3. Newsweek: "We’re renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, which sounds wonderful," Trump remarked.
   

   
   During a flight to New Orleans, Trump signed an executive order officially renaming the Gulf and declared February 9 as "Gulf of America Day." The administration defended this move as part of a broader initiative to restore "American greatness," though it has drawn polarized reactions domestically and internationally.
   
   Source: https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-gulf-america-day-mexico-name-2028677
   
   

4. Yahoo News: "The Gulf of America—what a wonderful name," Trump stated.

   Trump announced his plans to rename the Gulf during a press briefing in Palm Beach, Florida, arguing that it reflects U.S. control over activities in the region. He also criticized Mexico for its challenges and reiterated threats to impose tariffs on Mexican goods.
   
   Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-wants-change-name-gulf-170315135.html
   
   

5. Economic Times: "A short time from now, we are going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America," Trump said.
   

   
   In one of his inaugural executive orders, Trump declared the renaming as symbolic of America's reclaiming its global stature. He described the gulf as controlled by cartels and emphasized strengthening U.S. borders as part of his vision for American sovereignty.
   
   Source: https://economictimes.com/news/international/us/donald-trump-to-rename-gulf-of-mexico-as-gulf-of-america-in-early-executive-order/articleshow/117403802.cms
   
   

6. The Independent: "We’re going to be changing the name... which has a beautiful ring," Trump said.
   

   
   Speaking at Mar-a-Lago, Trump reiterated his intention to rename the gulf, calling it a necessary reflection of U.S. dominance in the region. He also hinted at other geopolitical ambitions, including potential military action regarding international waterways like the Panama Canal.
   
   Source: https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-news-press-conference-gulf-of-mexico-b2675289.html
   
   

7. Truthout: "The names you see in Maps are based on your country location," Google explained.
   

   
   Google Maps updated its platform for U.S.-based users to reflect Trump's renaming decision, displaying "Gulf of America." However, polls indicate widespread public opposition to this change, with many Americans viewing it as unnecessary and divisive.
   
   Source:https://truthout.org/articles/amid-other-pro-trump-moves-google-maps-makes-gulf-of-america-name-change/
   
   

8. ABC News: "What a beautiful name... It’s appropriate," Trump said.
   

   
   During a January press conference, Trump justified renaming the gulf by claiming it was run by cartels and asserting U.S. ownership over its resources. The gulf's economic importance was highlighted, with half of U.S. petroleum refining and significant seafood production relying on its waters.
   
   Source: https://abcnews.go.com/US/trump-rename-gulf-mexico-gulf-america-1st-executive/story?id=117886074