US House Approves Renaming Gulf of Mexico to American Gulf

In a symbolic and highly debated move, the Republican-led US House of Representatives has passed a bill to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the American Gulf.

The decision, voted on Thursday, has sparked widespread controversy across the United States and internationally, particularly in Mexico. Political analysts expect the bill to face strong resistance in the Democrat-controlled Senate, making its passage into law uncertain.

The bill aims to convert an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump in early 2017 into federal law.

Trump has previously issued similar orders to rename major landmarks, including the attempt to revert Alaska’s Denali peak back to its former name, Mount McKinley.

The renaming proposal has drawn criticism from various groups. Indigenous communities in Alaska have expressed strong opposition, while the Mexican government responded with its own symbolic gesture, suggesting the United States be referred to as Mexican America.

The debate has reignited discussions around cultural identity, national pride, and geopolitical respect.

If enacted, the bill would require all federal agencies to update official documents and maps to reflect the new name. However, the change would not be binding on foreign governments or international organisations.

The renaming campaign was led by Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia, who argued that the change reflects a nationalistic sentiment supported by former President Trump and his voter base.

Despite Republican dominance in the House, the bill has met with internal criticism. Some GOP lawmakers described the initiative as unnecessary and overly theatrical, suggesting that the United States should focus on more substantial governance rather than symbolic gestures.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, the renaming effort would cost the federal government under $500,000 over five years. However, the overall financial impact could be higher when factoring in changes required by schools, libraries, and public institutions.