Google announced that it will update Google Maps to reflect two significant name changes in the United States: the Gulf of Mexico will now be labeled the “Gulf of America,” and Denali will revert to its former name, “Mount McKinley.” These changes come in response to an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on January 20, which mandates the renaming of these iconic geographic landmarks.

The tech giant took to X (formerly Twitter) to explain its decision, stating, “We have a longstanding practice of applying name changes when they have been updated in official government sources.” Google added that when name changes vary between countries, Maps users will see the official local name, while the rest of the world will see both names. This means that while U.S. users will see “Gulf of America” and “Mount McKinley,” international users may see both the new and old names displayed.

The Gulf of Mexico, a vast body of water bordered by the United States, Mexico, and Cuba, has carried its current name for centuries. The proposed change to “Gulf of America” has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters argue that the new name better reflects the U.S.’s dominant presence along the Gulf Coast, particularly given the country’s economic and strategic interests in the region. Critics, however, view the change as unnecessary and potentially dismissive of Mexico’s historical and geographic connection to the Gulf.

The U.S. Department of the Interior confirmed last week that it is working to implement the name changes swiftly. “The U.S. Board on Geographic Names, under the purview of the Department of the Interior, is working expeditiously to update the official federal nomenclature in the Geographic Names Information System to reflect these changes, effective immediately for federal use,” the department said in a statement.

The renaming of Denali, North America’s tallest peak, to Mount McKinley is particularly contentious. The mountain, located in Alaska, was officially named Denali in 2015 by the Obama administration, a change that was celebrated by many Alaskans and Indigenous groups. The name “Denali” comes from the Koyukon Athabascan language and means “the high one” or “the great one.” It had been used locally for generations before the federal government officially recognized it.

Prior to 2015, the mountain was named Mount McKinley in honor of President William McKinley, who served in the late 19th century and was assassinated in 1901. The name change to Denali was seen as a way to honor the mountain’s Indigenous heritage and cultural significance. Reverting to “Mount McKinley” has been criticized as a step backward, with many arguing that it disregards the history and voices of Alaska Native peoples.

Why now?

The executive order behind these changes has been framed by the Trump administration as part of a broader effort to emphasize American identity and heritage. However, the timing and necessity of these changes have raised eyebrows. Critics argue that the move is more symbolic than practical, with some suggesting it could strain diplomatic relations with Mexico, given the Gulf’s shared borders.