House approves bill renaming Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America

05/12/2025 / By Ramon Tomey

The Republican-controlled House passed a bill (211-206) to rename the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America,” aligning with an executive order by President Donald Trump. Federal agencies would be required to update maps, though the change holds no international authority.
Supporters argue the current name reflects outdated Spanish colonial influence, while “Gulf of America” signifies modern U.S. dominance. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene framed it as a patriotic move, accusing Democrats of opposing it due to alleged ties to cartels.
Democrats dismissed the effort as frivolous, with Rep. Hakeem Jeffries calling it “silly” and Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon labeling it the “dumbest bill” in her tenure. Republican Rep. Don Bacon also opposed it, deeming the proposal “juvenile.”
The Gulf of Mexico’s name has stood for centuries, tied to early European cartography. The bill’s Senate prospects are uncertain, and the White House hasn’t signaled efforts to seek global recognition, making the vote largely symbolic.
Critics argue the debate distracts from urgent economic and geopolitical issues, reflecting deeper tensions over national identity and the Trump administration’s nationalist agenda.

In a move framed as a patriotic assertion of national identity, the House of Representatives voted to approve a bill renaming the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America.”

The Republican-controlled House passed the proposal Thursday, May 8, in a 211-206 vote. The bill, which mirrors an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, would require federal agencies to update maps and documents to reflect the new name. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum would be in charge of ensuring that this change is implemented.

If passed, however, the bill holds no binding authority beyond U.S. borders. This means that Mexico and other international entities are under no obligation to follow the change.

GOP lawmakers defended the bill as a correction to what they argue is outdated colonial-era terminology. North Carolina Rep. Virginia Foxx explained that the current name reflects Spanish colonial influence. In contrast, “Gulf of America” better represents modern U.S. dominance in the region.

“The Gulf of America is one of the most important things we can do this Congress,” Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said, framing the change as a matter of national pride. The congresswoman also alleged that Democrats are opposing the name change as drug cartels “are their business partners.”

“Names matter,” Greene continued. “Parents take a lot of time when they think about what to name a child that they’re happy to welcome in the world. That’s why they take pride in the name that they name their child.”

Democrats – and one Republican – speak out against the name change

But not every GOP lawmaker was on board, as Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon broke ranks to oppose the bill. In an interview prior to the vote, the congressman for the Cornhusker State called the proposal “juvenile” and “a sophomore thing to do.”

Democrats predictably derided the effort as frivolous, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York calling the bill “a silly, small-minded and sycophantic piece of legislation.” Pennsylvania Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon meanwhile dubbed it as the “dumbest bill brought to the floor during the six years I’ve served in this Congress.” New York Rep. George Latimer remarked that “no one is clamoring for a newly named body of water,” adding that Americans “want lower grocery bills.”

The Gulf of Mexico has carried its name for over four centuries, rooted in early European exploration and cartography. The Associated Press, which continues to use the old name, has previously clashed with the Trump administration over press access. It underscores broader tensions between media institutions and the president’s nationalist agenda. (Related: Trump administration BANS Associated Press reporters from Oval Office, defying court order.)

The bill’s prospects in the Senate remain uncertain, and the White House has not indicated whether it will pursue diplomatic efforts to encourage global recognition of the new name. As the debate unfolds, the vote stands as a symbolic gesture in a larger cultural and political battle over American identity – one that critics say distracts from pressing economic and geopolitical challenges.

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Watch Alex Jones of InfoWars explaining why President Donald Trump renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.

This video is from the Ruth Mackenzies channel on Brighteon.com.