Monday, February 17, 2025
spot_img
HomeWorldMexico Opposes Google’s Compliance With Trump’s Renaming Of Gulf Of Mexico

Mexico Opposes Google’s Compliance With Trump’s Renaming Of Gulf Of Mexico

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has formally protested Google’s decision to comply with US President Donald Trump’s executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America for US-based users.

Sheinbaum Challenges US Authority Over Naming Rights

In a letter to Google, Sheinbaum argued that the US has no legal authority to rename an international body of water. She cited the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, stating that US sovereignty extends only 12 nautical miles from its coastline.

“In the case of Mexico, where are we completely sovereign? In the area established as 12 nautical miles from the coastline, and this applies to all countries worldwide. If a country wants to change the designation of something in the sea, it would only apply up to 12 nautical miles. It cannot apply to the rest, in this case, the Gulf of Mexico. This is what we explained in detail to Google,” Sheinbaum told reporters.

Google’s Response to the Controversy

Google defended its decision, stating that its policy is to apply name changes when they are updated in official government sources. As a result:

  • US-based users will now see the name “Gulf of America” on Google Maps.
  • Mexican users will still see “Gulf of Mexico” on their version.
  • Users worldwide will see both names displayed.

Trump’s Executive Order and Other Renaming Moves

Trump’s executive order mandates that all federal government maps and documents reflect the name “Gulf of America” as a tribute to its economic significance to the United States.

Additionally, Trump has ordered the renaming of Denali, the US’s highest mountain, back to its previous name, Mount McKinley. Google stated that it would update its maps accordingly once the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), the US government’s database for place names, reflects the change.

The dispute has sparked diplomatic tensions, with Mexico standing firm on its opposition, while the US presses ahead with the controversial renaming.

RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Most Popular

Recent Comments