Trump renames Gulf of Mexico and Denali sparks debate
The President of the USA, Donald Trump, has decided that the Gulf of Mexico will be renamed the American Gulf, at least on maps within the United States. The effects of this decision by the White House are already noticeable on Google Maps. Outside the United States and Mexico both names can be observed.
Google Maps has adjusted the display of geographical names based on the user's location. This change is linked to President Donald Trump's directive to rename the Gulf of Mexico. It is part of his policy aimed at "honoring American greatness."
As reported by CNN, residents of the United States see the American Gulf on maps, while users in Mexico see the conventionally recognized name.
For the rest of the world both names remain accessible. Google explained that it has "a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources."
Updates in navigation systems
The name change of the gulf is not the only modification. Google also plans to revert the name of the highest peak in North America from Denali back to Mount McKinley, following Trump's directive.
The previous name change to Denali was a gesture from President Barack Obama towards the indigenous people of the region. Trump criticized this decision, considering it an "affront to President McKinley’s life, his achievements, and his sacrifice."
The Federal Aviation Administration stated that it is working on implementing these changes in its databases and maps. The Coast Guard has also begun using the new names in its communications. As of Tuesday, the changes regarding the peak in Alaska have not yet been implemented on Google Maps.
