The controversy over the name of the Gulf of Mexico and its adjacent areas continues to spark debate following former President Donald Trump‘s initiative to rename it the Gulf of America. This proposal has triggered a series of actions, including changes on digital platforms like Google Maps and a legislative project in Florida to modify the name of a section of the famous Highway 41, known as Tamiami Trail.
A Florida senator pushes for change on highway 41
Republican Senator Joe Gruter, representing Sarasota County, has introduced a project to rename a section of Highway 41 that connects Naples in Miami to Tampa. This stretch, currently named Tamiami Trail, would be rebranded as the Gulf of America Trail. The proposal would not affect the entire highway but specifically the section passing through Miami-Dade, Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee, and Hillsborough counties.
According to the project’s text, reported by WFLA, not only would the highway’s name change, but all school districts and schools using the current name would also be required to update their nomenclature to reflect the new designation. This measure has sparked controversy, as it implies significant logistical and financial efforts for the affected institutions.
Trump’s obsession with the Gulf of America
Senator Gruter‘s initiative aligns with the decree signed by Donald Trump a few weeks ago, which states that the body of water known as the Gulf of Mexico in the United States will now be called the Gulf of America. Although this is merely a nominal change, it represents a political stance that has divided opinions.
For now, the change has only been implemented on Google Maps for users accessing it from the United States. The company explained in a statement:
“People using Maps in the United States will see ‘Gulf of America,’ while those in Mexico will see ‘Gulf of Mexico.’ Everyone else will see both names.”
This duality has caused confusion and criticism, especially among those who believe the change lacks historical or geographical justification.
The controversy over the name of the Gulf of Mexico and its potential transformation into the Gulf of America remains a topic of debate, with implications that go beyond nomenclature and reflect political and cultural tensions in the region.
