Mexico has taken formal action against Google concerning the name change of the Gulf of Mexico following U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order renaming it the Gulf of America. The Mexican government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, has announced it will send a letter to Google, urging the tech giant to reconsider its decision to adopt this new nomenclature on Google Maps for users based in the United States.
During a press conference on January 30, 2025, President Sheinbaum expressed her firm stance against what she described as unilateral action from the U.S., arguing, "[The name change] could only correspond to the 12 nautical miles away from the coastlines of the United States of America." This statement highlights Mexico’s interpretation of international maritime law, which stipulates boundaries of national sovereignty over seas and oceans.
Sheinbaum also emphasized, "A single country does not have the authority to rename a gulf shared by several nations," reaffirming Mexico's historical and geographical claim to the Gulf of Mexico. Her government’s response follows Google’s announcement on January 27, where the company confirmed it would comply with the renaming as per Trump’s orders, effectively altering the name within the U.S. Google Maps will maintain the original name for users within Mexico, and both names will be visible for those accessing the platform outside these nations.
The name change controversy reignited discussions about national identity and territorial claims. Trump's executive order was one of the first actions he took upon assuming office, reflecting his administration's America First strategy. According to Sheinbaum, the action is perceived not only as politically motivated but also as a disregard for international naming conventions. "We are sending this letter to Google first to tell it: I suppose Google Maps will know about this international division, it will also know which organization is the one to give names to the international seas..." she stated, illustrating the need for adherence to globally accepted standards.
Sheinbaum's remarks also bore a hint of humor, as she referenced past discussions with reporters, where she suggested North America might just as well be renamed "Mexican America" if the U.S. were to proceed with its renaming ventures. "By the way, we are also going to ask for Mexican America to appear on the map," she quipped, making light of the serious diplomatic issues at play.
Beyond the rhetoric, the Gulf of Mexico bears immense economic, historical, and geopolitical significance to both Mexico and the United States. The gulf is not only home to rich fishing grounds but also contains significant oil reserves, accounting for nearly 40% of the U.S. seafood supply and serving as a key area for oil refining and production.
Under international law, the Gulf of Mexico has been historically known by its existing name, with references dating back to the colonial era. The dispute around its naming has drawn attention to the varied interpretations of territorial waters and the legal frameworks governing them. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea indicates countries can only assert claims over waters extending 12 nautical miles from their coastlines, which is pivotal to the crux of Mexico's argument against the name change.
While it remains to be seen how Google will respond to the concerns raised by the Mexican government, the situation has underscored the tensions between national policies and international conventions. Sheinbaum's actions signal not just the national pride Mexico takes in its geographical identity but also highlight the fragility of diplomatic relations influenced by seemingly simple changes like restructuring geographical names. Such changes could have ripple effects, potentially straining the already cautious U.S.-Mexico relationship.
The debate surrounding the Gulf of Mexico’s name is emblematic of broader questions over how countries assert their identities and rights on the world stage, especially when faced with unilateral declarations from powerful neighbors. While Sheinbaum's administration seeks to challenge this naming convention, the international community watches closely how tech giants like Google navigate the politically charged landscapes of national identity and regional collaboration.
Only time will reveal the outcome of this latest diplomatic spat, as both Mexican officials and the broader public await Google’s forthcoming response. Amid shifting geopolitical currents and increasing virtual imperatives, it’s clear the name of the Gulf of Mexico is more than just words; it symbolizes the cultural identities and historical narratives shared by nations at odds.