Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has warned that her government may take legal action against Google if the company continues referring to a key body of water as the “Gulf of America.” Traditionally known as the Gulf of Mexico, this stretch of sea between northeastern Mexico and the southeastern United States has sparked controversy after former U.S. President Donald Trump proposed renaming it.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Sheinbaum made it clear that Mexico rejects any attempt to alter the Gulf’s name. She emphasized that her country holds sovereignty over much of the Gulf and dismissed the proposed name change as politically motivated.
Mexico Challenges Google’s Naming Policy
Google’s decision to display “Gulf of America” on its maps in certain regions has added fuel to the debate. The tech giant has defended its approach, stating that its naming conventions follow official government sources. According to Google, changes are made when governments update their official records.
However, Mexico has formally objected, insisting that the Gulf’s name is recognized internationally and should not be altered. Despite this, Google has continued using the disputed name in some locations, prompting Sheinbaum to consider legal action.
How Google Maps Displays the Gulf’s Name
The way Google presents the Gulf’s name varies depending on where users access the map. In the U.S., it appears as “Gulf of America,” while in Mexico, it remains the “Gulf of Mexico.” In many other regions, Google uses both names, listing it as “Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America).”
Mexico argues that this inconsistency creates confusion and undermines the historical identity of the region.
A Battle Over History and Identity
Sheinbaum has repeatedly pointed to historical records that support the traditional name. She noted that the term “Gulf of Mexico” has been in use since 1607 and is recognized by the United Nations. Additionally, she referenced the Apatzingán Constitution, an early Mexican document that once described North America as “Mexican America.”
Using this historical perspective, Sheinbaum criticized Trump’s renaming effort and humorously suggested that if Google is willing to recognize alternative names, it should also display “Mexican America” on maps.
A History of Naming Disputes
This dispute is not the first time Mexico and the U.S. have clashed over geographical names. A well-known example is the river that forms part of the border between Texas and several Mexican states. While Mexico calls it “Río Bravo,” the U.S. refers to it as the “Rio Grande.”
The Gulf controversy now adds another layer to these long-standing tensions.
The debate over the Gulf’s name has also impacted media coverage. This week, the White House reportedly barred Associated Press (AP) journalists from attending certain events, including those in the Oval Office. The move was linked to AP’s editorial policy of acknowledging both names—using “Gulf of Mexico” while also noting Trump’s preferred “Gulf of America.”
While it remains unclear if or where Mexico would file a lawsuit against Google, Sheinbaum’s firm stance signals that her government is prepared to challenge the tech company. The outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for how digital mapping platforms handle politically sensitive geographical names in the future.
