Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is contemplating legal action against Google for changing the name of the 'Gulf of Mexico' to the 'Gulf of America' in its mapping technology, as per an executive order by President Trump.
Sheinbaum stated, 'We are assessing the legal implications of this and hope for a reconsideration by Google.' The executive order by Trump, issued upon his return to office, mandated the renaming of the gulf and Alaska’s Denali mountain, now known as Mount McKinley.
The Controversy
Google Maps now displays 'Gulf of America' for U.S. users and both terms for international users, prompting Sheinbaum to argue that Google has become an international standard despite being a private entity.
Sheinbaum believes that Trump's order may only apply to U.S. territory, affecting a small portion of the gulf. She emphasized that the decree does not encompass the entire gulf and has urged Google to review the specifics.
While Google has not responded to requests for comment, other major firms like Apple have also adopted the 'Gulf of America' designation. The federal government and various institutions have followed suit since Trump's order.
International Recognition
On the other hand, the White House has taken a firm stance on the matter, even barring an Associated Press reporter from an executive order signing due to the continued use of 'Gulf of Mexico' in their reporting.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the change, stating that it is crucial for the administration to align with the 'Gulf of America' naming not only domestically but also on a global scale.
In conclusion, the dispute between Mexico and Google over the gulf's name underscores the complexities of geopolitical nomenclature and the influence of digital mapping services on international perceptions.