Trump signed an order on his first day back in the White House in January to rename the northern part of the gulf to the Gulf of America. (Daniel Torok/Chief White House Photographer)
| Published May 11, 2025
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum says her government has sued Google for calling the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America on its maps. US President Donald Trump ordered the renaming of the body of water.
In a significant geopolitical and digital cartography dispute, Mexico has initiated legal action against Google for renaming the “Gulf of Mexico” to the “Gulf of America” on its mapping platforms, following an executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump. The change, visible to U.S. users, has sparked controversy over national sovereignty and historical nomenclature.
Background of the Dispute
President Trump’s executive order aimed to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” within U.S. jurisdiction. Google implemented this change on its platforms for U.S.-based users, labeling the body of water as the “Gulf of America” domestically, while retaining the original name in Mexico and using a combined label elsewhere .
Mexico has filed a lawsuit against Google after it changed the label for the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America on its maps platform. (AP/Fernando Llano)
Mexico’s Legal Response
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the lawsuit against Google, asserting that the renaming oversteps U.S. jurisdiction and infringes upon Mexico’s sovereignty. She emphasized that the Gulf has been known as the “Gulf of Mexico” for over 400 years and that the U.S. controls only 46% of the gulf, with Mexico and Cuba controlling 49% and 5%, respectively .
Google’s Position
Google’s Vice President of Government Affairs, Cris Turner, stated that the company would maintain its current naming policy, citing adherence to local naming preferences and authoritative sources. Despite requests from Mexico’s Foreign Relations Ministry to revert the change, Google has not indicated any plans to do so .
Political and Cultural Repercussions
The renaming has led to broader political tensions. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Gulf of America Act, further solidifying the name change domestically. In response, President Sheinbaum sarcastically suggested renaming the United States to “Mexican America,” highlighting the perceived overreach of the U.S. directive .
Gulf state residents applaud Trump’s Gulf of Mexico name change
Fox News correspondent Douglas Kennedy speaks with Gulf state residents about President Donald Trump renaming the Gulf of Mexico.
Pros and Cons of Mexico’s Lawsuit Against Google Over ‘Gulf of America’ Naming
Pros:
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Protection of Sovereignty: Mexico’s lawsuit reinforces its right to maintain historical and geographical names associated with its territory.
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Defense of National Identity: It emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage and historical accuracy in geographical names.
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Challenging Big Tech’s Influence: The lawsuit highlights the need for accountability among tech companies in how they present information.
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International Awareness: The case brings global attention to the geopolitical implications of digital cartography and naming rights.
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Potential Diplomatic Negotiation: It may encourage dialogue between Mexico, the U.S., and Google, leading to a more balanced resolution.
Google Maps began using Gulf of America for users in the U.S. shortly after Trump’s order. (AP/Google Maps)
Cons:
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Legal Uncertainty: Mexico may face difficulties in convincing a court to rule against Google, given its private platform and U.S.-based operations.
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Escalation of Diplomatic Tensions: The lawsuit could strain U.S.-Mexico relations, complicating diplomatic cooperation.
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Limited Jurisdiction: Google’s global platform may complicate enforcement of any ruling favoring Mexico.
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Negative Public Perception: Some may view the lawsuit as an overreaction or an attempt to control digital information.
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Financial Costs: Legal proceedings can be expensive, with no guarantee of a favorable outcome for Mexico.
Conclusion
Mexico’s lawsuit against Google over the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” highlights the complex intersection of digital cartography, national sovereignty, and cultural identity. While Mexico seeks to protect its historical and geographical legacy, the case underscores the influence of technology companies in shaping perceptions of the world. As the legal battle unfolds, it will test the boundaries of digital governance and raise important questions about the balance between state authority and corporate policies in a globally connected world.
SOURCE: BREITBART – Mexico Sues Google over Gulf of America: They Want Their Name Back
FOX NEWS – Mexico sues Google for changing ‘Gulf of Mexico’ to ‘Gulf of America’ after Trump’s order
FORTUNE – Mexico sues Google for labeling Gulf of Mexico as ‘Gulf of America’
DW – Mexico sues Google over Trump’s renaming of Gulf of Mexico
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