'Gulf of America' arrives on Google Maps after Trump order

When using Google Maps within the United States, users have noticed that the body of water formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico is now labeled "Gulf of the Americas." This change stems from an executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at renaming the area.

Google has previously stated that they "have long followed a practice of applying name changes when official government sources update names, and Google Maps will reflect these changes." Google stated, "Users using maps in the United States will see 'Gulf of the Americas,' while users in Mexico will see 'Gulf of Mexico.' All other users will see both names simultaneously."

Last month, Google also stated that, following an order from Trump, they would also change the name of America's highest peak, Mount McKinley, back from Denali. Former President Barack Obama renamed the Alaskan landmark Denali in 2015 to honor the region's indigenous people. However, as of now, Google Maps has not implemented this change.

Both changes stem from an executive order signed shortly after Trump took office, stating that the changes were "to honor the greatness of America." The order criticized Obama's renaming of Mount McKinley as "an insult to the life, achievements, and sacrifice of President McKinley."

The order drew a comparison between Trump and McKinley, pointing out that McKinley "championed tariffs" and was assassinated "amidst attacks on our national values and our success."