Mexico has initiated legal action against Google over its recent decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America on its mapping platform. This change aligns with an executive order issued by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which has sparked significant controversy and diplomatic tensions between the two neighboring countries.
During a press conference on May 9, 2025, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that the lawsuit has been filed, although she did not disclose specific details regarding the timing or location of the legal proceedings. Sheinbaum stated, "The lawsuit has been submitted," emphasizing the importance of maintaining the historical name of the Gulf, which has been known as the Gulf of Mexico for over 400 years.
The controversy began when Trump, on his first day in office in January 2025, signed an executive order that effectively changed the name of this significant body of water within federal government references. As a result, Google began displaying the name Gulf of America to users within the United States, while retaining the name Gulf of Mexico for users outside the U.S. This dual naming system has led to accusations from Mexican officials that Google is undermining their national sovereignty.
In previous communications, the Mexican Foreign Ministry had urged Google to refrain from using the name Gulf of America to refer to waters within Mexico's territorial boundaries. Despite these requests, Google has maintained its policy of adhering to U.S. geographical naming conventions, which has further aggravated tensions.
Critics argue that Trump's decision to rename the Gulf is part of a broader agenda to assert American dominance in the region. Sheinbaum noted that the executive order only applies to the U.S. continental shelf, and thus, Mexico does not recognize the legitimacy of the name Gulf of America for the entire Gulf. She stated, "What Google is doing here is changing the geographical name for Mexico and Cuba, and it has nothing to do with Trump, who only applies to the American geographical area."
This legal battle comes on the heels of a recent vote in the U.S. House of Representatives, where lawmakers narrowly passed a bill recognizing the Gulf of America as the official name. The vote was 211 to 206, with only one Republican joining Democrats in opposition. The legislation is now headed to the Senate, where it may face additional scrutiny.
In her remarks, Sheinbaum expressed her hope that Google would reconsider its naming policy, stating, "We are already observing what this may mean from a legal perspective, but we hope they will review it." She added that if the situation does not improve, Mexico would continue to explore all legal avenues to protect its interests.
The Gulf of Mexico is a critical body of water for both Mexico and the United States, with significant economic implications for both nations. Approximately 46% of the Gulf is under U.S. control, while Mexico governs about 49%, and Cuba holds the remaining 5%. The geographical and political significance of this area makes the naming dispute particularly sensitive.
Google's policy states that it will use local official names for geographical regions, which has led to confusion and frustration among Mexican officials. Sheinbaum pointed out that the name change affects not only Mexico but also Cuba, as both countries share the Gulf. She remarked, "All we want is to adhere to the protocols that the American government issued, clarifying that the American government applies the name America Exit only to the American part of the border, because it does not benefit from this correction."
In a somewhat tongue-in-cheek response to Trump's actions, Sheinbaum suggested that perhaps the United States should be referred to as "American Mexico," referencing historical maps that depict the territorial changes following the U.S.-Mexican War in the 19th century.
The legal dispute represents a broader challenge in U.S.-Mexico relations, which have been strained by various issues, including trade tariffs and immigration policies. As both countries navigate this complex relationship, the renaming of the Gulf has become a flashpoint that encapsulates the ongoing tensions.
As the lawsuit progresses, it remains to be seen how Google will respond and whether the U.S. Congress will take further action on the naming issue. The outcome could have lasting implications for diplomatic relations between Mexico and the United States, as well as for how geographical names are treated in a global context.
In conclusion, the legal battle over the naming of the Gulf of Mexico highlights the intricate interplay of geography, politics, and national identity. As Mexico seeks to reclaim its historical naming rights, the case serves as a reminder of the enduring complexities in U.S.-Mexico relations.
