A Clash of Names and Sovereignty: Mexico vs. Google Over the Gulf of Mexico
In a heated dispute that has sparked tensions between Mexico and tech giant Google, the Gulf of Mexico has become the focal point of a controversyOver its renaming. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has made it clear that her government will not stand idly by while the name of a geographic feature within Mexico’s territory is altered for users in the United States. The issue arose when Google Maps began displaying the body of water as the “Gulf of America” for users accessing the platform from within the U.S., while retaining the name “Gulf of Mexico” for users in Mexico and other parts of the world. This change has been met with strong opposition from the Mexican government, which has threatened legal action if Google does not restore the original name.
Mexico’s Stand on Sovereignty and Jurisdiction
At the heart of the issue is Mexico’s assertion of sovereignty over the Gulf of Mexico. Mexican authorities argue that Google’s decision to change the name violates their territorial rights, as the Gulf predominantly lies within Mexico’s jurisdiction. According to official data, Mexico controls approximately 49% of the Gulf, while the United States has jurisdiction over about 46%, and Cuba accounts for around 5%. President Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexico will not accept any unilateral renaming of a geographic zone within its territory, stating, “Under no circumstance will Mexico accept the renaming of a geographic zone within its own territory and under its jurisdiction.”
The Catalyst: Trump’s Executive Order and Google’s Compliance
The name change by Google appears to have been prompted by an executive order issued by former U.S. President Donald Trump. In February, Trump signed an order renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” as part of a broader initiative aimed at “honoring American greatness.” The move was accompanied by the declaration of February 9 as “Gulf of America Day.” While the name “Gulf of Mexico” has been officially recognized by the United Nations since 1607, Trump’s order has led Google to adopt the new name for U.S.-based users. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from Mexico, with President Sheinbaum sarcastically suggesting that North America be renamed “Mexican America,” referencing one of Mexico’s founding documents.
Google’s Response and the Broader Implications
In a letter to the Mexican government, Google’s Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy, Cris Turner, defended the company’s decision, stating that the name change aligns with its “longstanding maps policies” to follow authoritative sources and provide accurate representations. Turner also expressed Google’s willingness to engage in further discussions with Mexican authorities to address their concerns. However, the company has made it clear that its mapping policies are applied “impartially and consistently across all regions,” suggesting that the name change is not a matter of bias but rather compliance with U.S. executive orders.
The dispute has also caused ripples within the U.S., as the White House has reportedly barred reporters from The Associated Press (AP) from attending certain events due to the news agency’s refusal to use the new name. While the AP continues to refer to the body of water as the “Gulf of Mexico,” it has acknowledged Trump’s executive order. This incident highlights the broader implications of the name change, which has become a symbol of political and cultural identity on both sides of the border.
A Historical Perspective on Geographic Names
The renaming of the Gulf of Mexico is not the first instance of a geographic feature being renamed for political or cultural reasons. Trump’s executive order also restored the name “Mount McKinley” to North America’s highest peak, located in Alaska, overturning the Obama administration’s decision to recognize the mountain’s Indigenous name, Denali, in 2015. These changes underscore the complex interplay between history, culture, and power in the naming of geographic features. While Google has agreed to comply with the order regarding Mount McKinley once the change is reflected in the U.S. database, the company’s decision to alter the name of the Gulf of Mexico has reignited debates about the role of private entities in shaping geographic identities.
The Role of Maps in Shaping Identity and Sovereignty
The conflict over the Gulf of Mexico’s name serves as a reminder of the significant role that maps play in shaping national identity and sovereignty. For Mexico, the issue is not merely about a name; it is about the recognition of its territorial rights and the preservation of its cultural heritage. The Gulf of Mexico, as a shared body of water with deep historical and economic significance, has become a symbol of the complex relationships between nations, corporations, and the spaces they inhabit. As the dispute continues to unfold, it raises important questions about the balance of power between governments and private companies like Google, and the implications of their decisions for international relations and cultural identity.
