Google Maps is set to rename two well-known American landmarks following orders from President Donald Trump. The Gulf of Mexico will be displayed as the Gulf of America, and Mount Denali will go back to Mount McKinley.
Key Facts:
- Trump’s executive action requires the Department of the Interior to rename these sites.
- Google follows official government records in updating its map labels.
- The move reverses a 2015 decision by President Obama to call the mountain Denali.
- The Gulf of America label replaces the longstanding Gulf of Mexico name.
The Rest of the Story:
Google explained on X that it applies new names when they are reflected in government sources.
As soon as the Department of the Interior updates the Geographic Names Information System, Google will display Gulf of America and Mount McKinley to U.S. users.
However, in international settings, local names will still appear alongside these designations.
The Gulf of America shift fulfills a campaign promise Trump made, signaling a preference for more traditional American names in official records.
By also changing Denali back to Mount McKinley, the administration is emphasizing a restoration of historic labels.
Trump’s supporters argue this move pays tribute to the 25th president, William McKinley, and preserves significant parts of American history.
Critics see these changes as reversing the wishes of local communities, particularly Alaskans who advocated for the Denali name, which carries great importance in native culture.
Obama’s 2015 decision to rename the peak was praised by many in the region for acknowledging a longstanding request.
Now, the federal government’s shift reflects Trump’s broader plan to undo or revise several decisions from previous administrations.
Google’s neutral role means it does not pick names on its own.
It simply aligns its maps with official designations set by the government.
The company notes that it has followed this policy for many years, ensuring the platform stays consistent with recognized sources in each region.
🚨#BREAKING: Google Maps has announced it will update its platform to reflect changes introduced by President Trump, renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America and displaying Mount McKinley instead of Denali. pic.twitter.com/cl6WZK6trg
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) January 27, 2025
While the name changes are set to appear soon, it remains to be seen if future administrations will alter these policies again.
Mountain naming debates and geographic controversies often spark wide-ranging discussions about heritage and cultural respect.
For now, Google Maps users in the United States can expect to see these new labels as soon as the federal databases confirm the change.
The Bottom Line:
Trump’s renaming of the Gulf of Mexico and Mount Denali shows how administrations can influence local and national identity.
Google’s response shows it follows official sources, placing the responsibility on government leadership.
People in different parts of the country hold varied opinions on these decisions, reflecting broader disagreements about heritage.
Time will tell if these names stay put or shift again under another presidency.
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