The Mexican government has officially filed a lawsuit against Google over the controversial renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" on Google Maps for users in the United States. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the legal action during a press conference on May 9, 2025, asserting that the change violates Mexico's sovereignty and international recognition of its territory.
Sheinbaum stated, "We have already filed the lawsuit," although she did not disclose the specific court or date of the filing. The issue came to light on May 8, when a member of the U.S. Congress voted to support the name change, effectively codifying an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump shortly after he took office in January 2025.
In her comments, Sheinbaum emphasized that the Mexican government had previously warned Google back in February that legal action would be considered unless the tech giant reversed its decision to adopt Trump's directive. She argued that the executive order only pertains to the continental shelf areas of the United States, stating, "What we want is for Google to adhere to the scope of the U.S. government’s executive order. The U.S. only called for the renaming of the continental shelf areas of the U.S. as the Gulf of America—not the entire gulf—because the U.S. has no legal authority to rename the gulf."
Sheinbaum also added a touch of humor to the situation, suggesting that North America, which includes the United States, might as well revert to its historical name of "Mexican America," a term used in early maps before a significant portion of Mexico was annexed by the U.S. in 1848.
The legal battle comes amid rising tensions between Mexico and the United States over various issues, including trade and immigration. The Mexican government is keen to assert its rights and protect its territorial integrity, especially in light of the recent congressional vote that many in Mexico view as a direct affront.
On May 10, 2025, news reports confirmed that Sheinbaum reiterated the government's stance, stating that the name change on Google Maps constitutes a misunderstanding that must be rectified. She indicated that while the Gulf of America name may be applied in some contexts, it cannot be used to describe the Gulf of Mexico itself, particularly in relation to Mexican territory.
Sheinbaum's administration has expressed concerns that the name change could lead to further misunderstandings and misinterpretations regarding the sovereignty of the Gulf of Mexico, which has been known by that name for centuries. The gulf, which spans approximately 1.5 million square kilometers, is bordered by Mexico, Cuba, and the United States, and its name has appeared on maps since at least 1550.
In light of this, the Mexican government is urging Google to clarify the naming conventions used on its platform, ensuring that users in Mexico and elsewhere continue to see the Gulf referred to as the Gulf of Mexico. The controversy has sparked a broader discussion about the implications of such name changes on international relations and national identity.
As the legal proceedings unfold, many are watching closely to see how this case will affect the relationship between the two neighboring countries. The Mexican government is adamant that it will not back down on this issue, as it represents a significant point of national pride and sovereignty.
Furthermore, Sheinbaum has had multiple discussions with U.S. officials, including Trump, regarding various bilateral issues, but the naming dispute remains unresolved. The Mexican president has emphasized that the U.S. must respect Mexico's territorial claims and the historical significance of the Gulf of Mexico.
In January, prior to the congressional vote, Sheinbaum had written to Google requesting a review of its decision to change the name of the gulf for users in the United States. Following the lack of response from Google, she warned of potential legal action, which has now come to fruition.
Google has maintained that any changes made to its mapping services are in line with longstanding practices and based on official sources. The company has stated that users in Mexico would continue to see the name Gulf of Mexico, while users in other countries would see it as "Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America)."
The ongoing dispute highlights the complexities of international relations in the digital age, where tech companies like Google play a significant role in shaping perceptions and narratives about geographic locations. As the lawsuit progresses, it could set important precedents regarding the authority of governments over the naming of geographic features and the responsibilities of corporations in respecting international boundaries.
The Gulf of Mexico, with its rich history and cultural significance, remains a vital area for both Mexico and the United States. The outcome of this legal battle could have lasting implications for how such names are treated in the future, potentially influencing not only geographic nomenclature but also the broader dynamics of international relations.
