Why Not Call It 'América Mexicana'? Mexico Challenges Google's 'Gulf of America' Label
MEXICO CITY, May 10, 2025
The Mexican government has initiated legal proceedings against Google, challenging the tech giant's decision to label the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America" for users in the United States on its mapping platforms. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the lawsuit during her morning press briefing, emphasizing that the change misrepresents international maritime boundaries and infringes upon Mexico's sovereignty.
Background: U.S. Executive Order and Legislative Action
The controversy stems from an executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this year, mandating federal agencies to refer to the body of water as the "Gulf of America." This directive was further reinforced when the U.S. House of Representatives passed the "Gulf of America Act" on May 8, 2025, with a narrow 211-206 vote. The bill, introduced by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), seeks to formalize the name change across all federal documentation and maps.
Mexico's Legal Standpoint
President Sheinbaum contends that the U.S. government's jurisdiction over the Gulf is limited to its portion of the continental shelf and does not extend to the entire body of water, which is shared with Mexico and Cuba. She argues that Google's adoption of the "Gulf of America" label for U.S. users oversteps these boundaries and could lead to international confusion.
In February, Mexico's Foreign Relations Ministry formally requested that Google refrain from implementing the name change. Despite this, Google proceeded, citing adherence to regional naming conventions and user location settings. The company stated that the Gulf is labeled as "Gulf of America" for U.S. users, "Gulf of Mexico" for Mexican users, and both names for users in other regions.
Sheinbaum's Historical Counterpoint
In a pointed response to President Trump's renaming initiative, President Sheinbaum humorously suggested that the United States be referred to as "América Mexicana" (Mexican America). This proposal references historical maps from before 1848, a period when significant portions of the current U.S. territory were part of Mexico. Sheinbaum's remark underscores the deep historical ties and complexities surrounding territorial nomenclature in the region.
International Implications and Reactions
The renaming has sparked broader debates about digital cartography and the influence of national policies on global platforms. Critics argue that such unilateral changes by tech companies, influenced by political directives, can distort historical and geographical facts. Supporters of the name change, including Rep. Greene, claim it reflects America's strategic and economic interests in the region.
The bill now moves to the Senate, where its future remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Mexico's lawsuit seeks to compel Google to revert to the traditional "Gulf of Mexico" label across all its platforms, emphasizing the importance of respecting internationally recognized nomenclature.