It is my hope that The Associated Press does not give in to Donald Trump's bullying. One of the first things a dictator does is try to control the media, and Trump is no different. He is determined to unilaterally change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America." On January 25, 2025, he signed an executive order specifying that the area of the U.S. continental shelf, "extending to the seaward boundary with Mexico and Cuba," be renamed "The Gulf of America."
So far, The Associated Press has refused to comply with Trump's wishes. To its credit, AP, one of the world's largest media outlets, continues to use the term "Gulf of Mexico." As a result, the giant news service has been banned indefinitely from the White House and from Air Force One.
Unfortunately, Google, has caved in to the Dear Leader's demand. Not surprisingly, Mexico is opposed to the name change. Mexico's firebrand president, Claudia Sheinbaum sarcastically suggested that Trump rename North America. "Obviously the Gulf of Mexico is recognized by the United Nations . . . but why don't we call [North America] "Mexica America"? We're going to call it Mexican America . . . It sounds pretty, no? Isn't it true?"
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| Claudia Sheinbaum |
Sheinbaum threatened to sue Google after Google Maps began displaying the "Gulf of America" name change. She pointed out that U.S. sovereignty is restricted to 12 nautical miles from the coast. The United Kingdom declared that it had no intention to recognize the name change unless it becomes the most commonly used term in the English-speaking world. In fact, Sheinbaum thanked Encyclopaedia Britannica for sticking with Gulf of Mexico.
Stay strong, AP!, because the stakes are high. Stand your ground and resist the White House's strongarm tactics. Remain true to your journalistic principles. Don't allow the tyrant Trump to control you. You must continue to stand up for freedom and democracy or the United States will continue its downward slope towards authoritarianism.
- Joanne
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